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Leaked Tape Shows Kennedy Pressuring Iowa Candidate, Prompting Probe

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

A leaked recording shows HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pressuring Iowa Libertarian candidate Rick Stewart to withdraw from the race.
Stewart announced he will stay in the race despite Kennedy’s pressure.
The Hatch Act bars federal employees from influencing elections, raising legal concerns as critics note Kennedy’s focus on vaccine claims and diet over public-health duties, and prompting House Democrats to plan an investigation of his election-influence attempts.

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Story summary

A leaked recording shows HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pressuring Iowa Libertarian candidate Rick Stewart to withdraw from the race.
Stewart announced he will stay in the race despite Kennedy’s pressure.
The Hatch Act bars federal employees from influencing elections, raising legal concerns as critics note Kennedy’s focus on vaccine claims and diet over public-health duties, and prompting House Democrats to plan an investigation of his election-influence attempts.