A lighthearted remark from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. drew attention Thursday after he suggested his connection with Linda McMahon may have played a role in helping his niece secure a professional wrestling opportunity.
According to the New York Post, Kennedy commented on an event focused on improving nutrition training for future doctors.
While speaking about his relationship with McMahon, he referenced his niece, Zoe Hines, and her recent entry into the world of professional wrestling.
“Linda has become a very, very close friend and my niece, Zoe Hines, recently signed a contract with WWE [World Wrestling Entertainment] – which Linda has a lot to do – to become a wrestler,” Kennedy said.
The health secretary then added a joking remark about the physical nature of the sport.
“And I’m really looking forward to knowing so many good doctors who can treat her after,” he said.
Hines comes from an athletic background. She previously played softball at Boston College before exploring opportunities in professional wrestling.
Her interest in joining WWE became public last year. In August, she shared on Instagram that she had taken part in a WWE tryout in New Jersey and reflected positively on the experience.
“Grateful for the opportunity, the experience, and the people,” she wrote in the post. “Honored to represent WWE at the 2025 SummerSlam Tryout.”
Hines is the daughter of Rebecca Hines and Laurent Boye. Rebecca is the sister of Cheryl Hines, who is married to Kennedy.
McMahon has deep roots in the wrestling industry. She co-founded WWE in 1980 with her husband, Vince McMahon, and served as the company’s chief executive officer until 2009.
WWE leadership also intersects with federal initiatives through Paul Levesque, who sits on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
Levesque, widely known by his ring name Triple H, is McMahon’s son-in-law.
He has been working with Kennedy on plans to revive the Presidential Fitness Test for public school students, a program that was phased out during Barack Obama’s administration.
