It’s hard to ignore. If you’ve watched a single interview with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. lately—especially now that he’s taking a massive role in the 2026 health landscape—you’ve likely noticed the "shaking." It isn't a nervous tic. It isn't just "getting old," either. His voice doesn't just tremble; it sounds like it’s being physically squeezed through a straw.
Honestly, the sound can be jarring. It’s a strained, raspy, and often halting quality that makes some people uncomfortable and others deeply curious. People ask why does RFK Jr shake so much because, in a world of polished politicians, his physical delivery feels broken.
But there’s a real medical explanation here. It isn't one single "shaking" disease. It’s a combination of a very specific neurological disorder, a bizarre history with parasites, and some intense lifestyle factors that have converged on the man’s nervous system.
The Core Culprit: Spasmodic Dysphonia
The most obvious "shaking" people notice is in his voice. This is caused by a rare condition called spasmodic dysphonia (also known as laryngeal dystonia).
RFK Jr. didn't always sound like this. He’s actually been quite open about the fact that he had a "very, very strong voice" until he hit about 42 years old. Then, in 1996, things started to go sideways. It began with a slight tremor and eventually evolved into the "strangled" sound we hear today.
How It Works (Simply)
Think of your vocal cords like two rubber bands. To speak, your brain sends a steady signal to make them vibrate. In someone with spasmodic dysphonia, those signals are basically "glitching."
Instead of a smooth vibration, the muscles in the voice box (larynx) go into involuntary spasms. Kennedy has the most common version, called adductor spasmodic dysphonia. In this type, the vocal cords slam shut and stiffen up right when you're trying to talk. This creates that choppy, "shaky" sound because the air is literally struggling to pass through the closed cords.
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He’s mentioned in interviews that he basically hates the sound of his own voice. He’s even said, "I feel sorry for the people who have to listen to me."
Is It Just the Voice? The "Full Body" Shake
When people search for why does RFK Jr shake so much, they aren't always just talking about the rasp. Sometimes, you’ll see a slight tremor in his hands or a stiffness in his posture during long speeches.
This is where the term "dystonia" comes back into play. Spasmodic dysphonia is a focal dystonia—meaning it's localized to the throat. However, dystonia is a neurological movement disorder. It’s characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. While RFK Jr. hasn't officially confirmed a diagnosis of generalized dystonia, the neurological "wiring" that causes the vocal spasms often exists alongside other subtle tremors.
Then, there’s the "worm" incident.
That Infamous Brain Parasite
You’ve probably heard the headlines. Back in 2010, Kennedy suffered from severe memory loss and "brain fog" so bad he thought he had a tumor. Doctors eventually found a dark spot on his brain scans.
It wasn't a tumor. It was a parasite—specifically, a dead pork tapeworm larva.
Now, to be clear: the worm isn't what’s making his voice shake. But having a parasite die in your brain causes significant inflammation. When a parasite dies, it releases proteins that trigger a massive immune response. This can lead to lasting neurological "noise." While Kennedy says he recovered from the cognitive issues (the "fog"), having a history of neurological trauma doesn't exactly help a system already struggling with a movement disorder like dysphonia.
The Mercury Connection
There is another piece of the puzzle that Kennedy himself talks about: mercury.
Around the same time the parasite was discovered, Kennedy was diagnosed with severe mercury poisoning. He’s a big fan of fish—specifically tuna and swordfish—which are notorious for high mercury levels. He told the New York Times that his levels were "ten times" what the EPA considers safe.
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin.
- It causes tremors.
- It causes "shaking" in the hands.
- It messes with speech and coordination.
When you combine a pre-existing neurological condition (the dysphonia) with a brain parasite and high levels of mercury, you're looking at a nervous system that is under a lot of "static." That static manifests as the physical and vocal tremors we see on screen.
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Why Some Days Are Worse Than Others
Have you noticed he sounds "clearer" sometimes?
Spasmodic dysphonia is notoriously "task-specific." Stress makes it significantly worse. If he’s in a heated debate or a high-pressure interview, those spasms in his throat become more frequent and violent.
Conversely, the condition often disappears when someone with SD laughs, sings, or whispers. It’s a weird quirk of the brain; the neural pathways for singing are different than the ones for speaking. This is why you might see Kennedy looking more relaxed or "shaking" less during informal, low-stakes settings versus a podium at a national convention.
The Treatment: Botox in the Throat
If you're wondering why he hasn't "fixed" it, the reality is there is no cure. But there is a standard treatment: Botox.
Yes, the same stuff people put in their foreheads. Doctors inject botulinum toxin directly into the vocal cord muscles. This partially paralyzes the muscles, preventing them from slamming shut so violently.
The catch? It only lasts about 3 to 4 months. And the "voice" you get after a Botox shot isn't perfect—it often sounds breathy or weak for a few weeks before hitting a "sweet spot" of clarity, and then eventually the spasms return. It’s a constant, frustrating cycle of medical maintenance.
Addressing the Misconceptions
There are plenty of rumors floating around the internet about why does RFK Jr shake so much. Let’s clear a few up based on what we actually know from medical records and his own statements.
- Is it Parkinson’s? There is no public evidence or diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. While Parkinson’s involves tremors, the specific "strained" vocal quality of spasmodic dysphonia is a very different clinical presentation.
- Is it "Vaccine Injury"? Kennedy has personally speculated that a flu vaccine might have triggered his condition in the 90s. However, the medical community generally agrees that the cause of spasmodic dysphonia is idiopathic (unknown), though it can be triggered by upper respiratory infections or extreme periods of stress.
- Is it permanent? Yes. Spasmodic dysphonia is a chronic, lifelong condition. While surgery (like the one he reportedly had in Kyoto, Japan) can help, it rarely "cures" the underlying neurological glitch.
What This Means for the Future
Watching someone struggle to speak can be exhausting for the listener, but it's important to realize it’s a physical hurdle, not a mental one. The "shaking" doesn't affect his cognitive ability or his intellect—it’s a motor control issue.
In fact, the more he speaks, the "stronger" he claims the voice gets, despite the sound. He’s essentially training his brain to work around the spasms.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a voice that sounds "shaky," "strained," or "choked" for more than a few weeks, don't just write it off as a cold. Spasmodic dysphonia is frequently misdiagnosed as acid reflux or allergies for years before people see a laryngologist who recognizes the neurological pattern.
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Actionable Steps if You Notice Similar Symptoms
- See a Laryngologist: Not just a regular ENT. You need someone who specializes in the "voice box."
- Ask for a Laryngeal Electromyography (LEMG): This test checks the electrical signals in your vocal muscles.
- Explore Speech Therapy: While it won't "cure" a neurological spasm, it can teach you "breath support" techniques to make speaking less physically exhausting.
- Check for Dystonia: If the voice shaking is accompanied by hand tremors or neck pulling, consult a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders.
The mystery of Kennedy’s "shaking" isn't really a mystery once you look at the clinical reality. It’s a perfect storm of a rare voice disorder, past neurological trauma, and the high-octane stress of public life.
For more information on managing vocal health and neurological tremors, check out the resources at Dysphonia International or the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).