A newly disclosed audio recording has raised questions about whether Health Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr.improperly used his government position while speaking with political candidates during the 2026 election cycle.

According to reporting cited in the article, Kennedy contacted Libertarian congressional candidate Rick Stewart in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District on June 11 and identified himself as a White House liaison.

During the conversation, Kennedy reportedly encouraged Stewart to withdraw from the race, arguing that a Democratic victory in the House of Representatives could hinder President Donald Trump's legislative agenda.Kennedy also stated that he could not discuss certain details because of legal restrictions.Stewart interpreted the conversation as implying that political cooperation could be rewarded, although he said no explicit offer was made.Stewart ultimately declined to leave the race.

The article also reports that Kennedy made a similar request to another Libertarian candidate, Marco Battaglia, who was running in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District.Battaglia likewise refused to withdraw.

Ethics experts cited by the article said the recorded conversation could raise concerns under federal law, including possible issues related to the Hatch Act or other statutes intended to prevent government officials from using their official positions to influence elections.However, the article does not state that any formal investigation has been opened or that Kennedy has been charged with any offense.Kennedy declined to comment directly, and his spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.The report centers on whether the conversation crossed legal or ethical boundaries rather than establishing that any violation actually occurred.