Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff on Tuesday, according to a report citing an HHS spokesperson.
Kennedy, 72, had the procedure at a hospital in the Washington area and is expected to return to work after a short recovery, the official said. The injury involves the shoulder’s rotator cuff — a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the joint and enable arm movement.
Injury required surgical repair
Doctors determined that Kennedy needed surgery to repair a tear in the rotator cuff, an injury that often causes shoulder pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. The procedure usually involves reconnecting the damaged tendon to the bone and repairing the surrounding tissue.
Rotator cuff injuries are common, especially in older adults, and recovery can take from weeks to months depending on the severity of the tear and the type of surgery performed.
As The Hill reports:
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), rotator cuff surgery is often recommended when pain does not subside following nonsurgical options. Other indicators that surgery is necessary are pain that lasts six to 12 months, tendon tears larger than 3 centimeters, significant weakness in the shoulder or a tear caused by an acute injury.
The AAOS noted that most rotator cuff surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis, not requiring overnight stays in a hospital.
Kennedy often displays his physical ability. In December, he took part in a pull-up competition with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at Reagan National Airport. Last month, he shared a video online of himself and musician Kid Rock exercising together shirtless.
The secretary has disclosed past health issues he has faced. Perhaps the most notable condition he has discussed is spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition that causes his voice to waver. During his 2024 presidential campaign, a deposition from 2012 was reported on in which Kennedy said his doctor believed a parasitic worm had eaten part of his brain and died.
Expected to resume duties soon
Officials said Kennedy plans to resume his duties leading the department next week.
Kennedy has served as HHS secretary since 2025 after being appointed by President Donald Trump.
Background
The rotator cuff surgery occurs as Kennedy continues to supervise major federal health initiatives, including efforts related to the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda and broader reforms to federal health agencies.
While the surgery is considered routine, the procedure temporarily sidelines one of the administration’s most visible cabinet members as debates over public health policy continue in Washington.
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