Kennedy Criticizes Trump’s COVID-19 Response at Libertarian Convention

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized former President Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic at the Libertarian National Convention. He argued that Trump’s administration violated First Amendment rights with health guidelines to combat the pandemic.

Kennedy stated, “He was initially very reluctant to impose lockdowns, but then he got rolled by his bureaucrats… many of our most fundamental rights disappeared practically overnight.” He further accused Trump of allowing health regulators to mandate “science-free social distancing,” undermining the right to freedom of assembly.

Kennedy’s comments are among the most pointed against Trump yet. Despite being seen as a long-shot contender between Trump and President Biden, recent polling suggests he could impact Trump’s chances in November.

Kennedy accused both Trump and Biden of infringing on Americans’ rights and freedoms, pledging to do more to protect free speech and assembly rights. Both Kennedy and Trump are scheduled to speak at the convention.

The Trump administration implemented strict protocols to curb social gatherings and nonessential travel during the pandemic’s onset. The president and health officials often disagreed on pandemic management, including which institutions could remain open.

States created their own guidelines, leading to varied rules on tackling COVID-19. This resulted in different procedures for reopening businesses and schools.

Anthony Fauci, the former White House chief medical adviser, was frequently targeted by Republicans, including Trump, who believed health guidelines were excessive. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized Trump for not removing Fauci.

Kennedy claimed Trump closed millions of businesses “with no due process, no just compensation in violation of the Fifth Amendment.” He concluded, “With lockdowns, mass mandates the travel restrictions, President Trump presided over the greatest restriction on individual liberties this country has ever known.”