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The White House has dismissed inflammatory remarks made by Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy’s grandson, who referred to his cousin Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a “rabid dog.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the comments during a Wednesday press briefing, calling them “ridiculous” and not worthy of response. “Obviously, those things are not true. And Secretary Kennedy is doing a phenomenal job bringing transparency and the gold standard of silent science back to our health care system,” Leavitt told reporters.
The family friction became public after Schlossberg, son of diplomat Caroline Kennedy, announced his bid to run for New York’s 12th Congressional District in the 2026 election, potentially replacing Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler. During an MSNBC appearance following his campaign announcement, Schlossberg launched a pointed attack against his cousin.
“He [Trump] put a collar on my cousin, RFK Jr., and has him there barking, spreading lies and spreading misinformation,” Schlossberg said, suggesting that former President Donald Trump appointed Kennedy to his cabinet position because of an obsession with the Kennedy family legacy.
The 32-year-old Harvard Law School graduate, who currently works as a political correspondent for Vogue, went further in his criticism, calling his cousin “a dangerous person who is making life-and-death decisions as secretary of Health and Human Services.”
Schlossberg specifically cited Kennedy’s controversial decision in June to fire advisors on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine panel, linking this action to a subsequent rise in measles cases in West Texas, though the Texas Department of State Health Services declared that outbreak over in August.
“When he’s not making infomercials for Steak ‘n Shake and Coca-Cola, he’s spreading misinformation and lies that are leading to deaths around the country,” Schlossberg added, alluding to Kennedy’s recent public appearances at American food establishments.
The public spat highlights deep divisions within one of America’s most prominent political families. Kennedy’s appointment as HHS Secretary has been controversial from the start, given his history of questioning established medical consensus, particularly regarding vaccines. Public health experts have expressed concern over his leadership at an agency responsible for the nation’s health policies.
This family discord takes place against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to reshape federal health policy. Kennedy has promised to bring what he calls “transparency” to health agencies, while critics worry his views could undermine public confidence in essential health services and scientific consensus.
The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Schlossberg’s remarks.
Schlossberg, who spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, has been positioning himself as a defender of his grandfather’s legacy and values. His entry into politics has been closely watched, as he represents a new generation of the Kennedy political dynasty engaging in public service.
The incident underscores how the Kennedy family, once a united political powerhouse, now finds itself divided along partisan lines in America’s increasingly polarized political landscape. While Kennedy has aligned himself with the Trump administration, Schlossberg has emerged as a vocal Democratic supporter and critic of the current administration’s policies.
As both Kennedys pursue their respective political paths, this family feud appears likely to continue playing out in the public arena, adding a personal dimension to broader political disagreements about public health policy and governance.
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14 Comments
Schlossberg’s comments about his cousin being a ‘rabid dog’ seem quite extreme. While political disagreements can run deep, resorting to such personal attacks is concerning.
I agree, the rhetoric on both sides is quite inflammatory. A more measured, fact-based approach would serve the public better.
While the personal attacks are concerning, I’m more interested in the policy differences that seem to be driving this feud. What are the key issues at stake, and how do the two sides differ in their approaches?
Good point. The underlying policy disagreements are likely more important than the family drama. It would be helpful to have a more substantive discussion about the merits of each side’s positions.
This seems like a messy family feud spilling out into the public sphere. It’s unfortunate when political differences drive such divides, even within prominent clans like the Kennedys.
I agree, family matters should be kept private whenever possible. Both sides would do well to focus on policy rather than personal attacks.
The Kennedy family has always been in the public eye, for better or worse. This latest spat just highlights the longstanding divides and rivalries that can exist even within the most famous political dynasties.
I’m curious to see how this plays out and whether it has any lasting impact on Secretary Kennedy’s standing or the family’s political influence going forward.
The White House’s forceful defense of Secretary Kennedy suggests they see him as an important ally, despite the criticisms from his own family member. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Indeed, the political implications of this family drama are worth watching. It could impact Kennedy’s standing and the broader dynamics within the Democratic party.
Interesting to see the White House dismiss the criticisms so forcefully. They seem intent on defending Secretary Kennedy’s record and reputation, despite the high-profile attacks.
I wonder what the real story is behind the scenes. There’s likely more nuance and context than is being reported publicly.
It’s unfortunate that family disputes are being aired so publicly, especially when they involve prominent political figures. I hope both sides can find a way to resolve their differences privately.
Agreed. These kinds of public feuds rarely end well and often just serve to further divide people along partisan lines.