Cheryl Hines Reveals Husband RFK Jr.’s Plans for 2028 Presidential Election

Cheryl Hines says a life in politics was never part of the plan when she fell in love with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In a new conversation on Elizabeth Vargas Reports on NewsNation, the Curb Your Enthusiasm star spoke about her memoir, Unscripted, and reflected on how dramatically her world shifted after marrying Kennedy in August 2014 — especially once his career took a sharp turn.

“I asked him when we met if he ever wanted to go into politics, if he had ever thought of it,” Hines recalled. “At the time, he was an environmental attorney. And he said that he didn’t have a desire to go into politics. So I was like, great, we’re going to get along great.

“And then he went into politics,” she continued. “Then he decided to run for president. And I knew that was going to be a life changer. But I didn’t know how it would change our lives.”

Though he had long been close to power through his prominent family and had previously turned down Cabinet roles and campaigns, Kennedy ultimately decided to jump into the 2024 presidential race. He sought the Democratic nomination but did not secure a place on the ticket.

After that, his path took an unexpected direction. President Donald Trump tapped Kennedy to serve as secretary of health and human services in his second administration, despite Kennedy’s controversial past comments about vaccines and autism.

Asked whether she thinks her husband might use his Cabinet post as a springboard for another presidential run in 2028, Hines laughed off the idea.

“Oh my gosh, he’s not going to run for president in 2028,” she told NewsNation.

Beyond the political headlines, Hines has also had to navigate intense public scrutiny of their relationship — including the fallout from Kennedy’s alleged digital affair with political journalist Olivia Nuzzi, which reportedly unfolded during his 2024 campaign.

The controversy has resurfaced recently, as Nuzzi released a memoir, American Canto, that includes intimate descriptions of a relationship with a man referred to only as “the Politician.”

On top of that, Nuzzi’s ex, Ryan Lizza, has been publishing a serialized newsletter detailing alleged affairs involving Nuzzi, Kennedy and South Carolina politician Mark Sanford.

Speaking with Elizabeth Vargas, Hines admitted she’s still adjusting to the new level of attention on her personal life.

“I’ve been married to Bobby for over a decade, and I’ve done a lot of press in my day. And nobody ever asked me about my husband until now,” she said. “So it’s just different. I’ve had to pivot a little bit to be ready to answer questions.”

That interest isn’t limited to reporters, either — it comes from strangers in everyday settings.

“We went to get coffee the other day and this woman comes up and she tells Bobby this, this, and that. She wasn’t that angry, but the things she was saying weren’t nice,” Hines recalled. “And then she looked at me and she said, ‘I know you love him,’ and stormed off.”

Still, Hines tries to keep perspective.

“If that was the worst thing that happened that day, I was doing okay,” she said.

Elizabeth Vargas Reports airs weeknights at 7 p.m. ET on NewsNation.