A political firestorm ignited this week as Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, delivered a scathing rebuke of his cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Schlossberg didn’t mince words, characterizing Kennedy as a “rabid dog” and accusing him of endangering public health.
The sharp criticism came as Schlossberg himself announced his candidacy for a U.S. House seat in New York, setting his sights on the district currently represented by Jerry Nadler. The 2026 election promises a compelling generational shift, but Schlossberg’s entry into the political arena was immediately overshadowed by his family feud.
The White House swiftly dismissed Schlossberg’s comments as “ridiculous” and “not true,” with press secretary Karoline Leavitt defending Kennedy’s performance and highlighting his efforts to bring “transparency” to the healthcare system. This public disagreement underscores the deep divisions within the Kennedy family regarding the current administration and its policies.
Appearing on national television, Schlossberg painted a picture of a Kennedy family targeted by former President Trump. He alleged Trump deliberately appointed his cousin to a cabinet position, effectively “putting a collar” on him and directing him to “bark” misinformation. The accusation suggests a calculated strategy to exploit the Kennedy name for political gain.
Schlossberg specifically pointed to Kennedy’s controversial decision to dismiss advisors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine panel, linking it to a subsequent rise in measles cases, particularly in West Texas. He argued these actions demonstrate Kennedy’s dangerous influence and the real-world consequences of his policies.
The young Kennedy didn’t stop there, accusing his cousin of prioritizing commercial endorsements – referencing appearances in advertisements for Steak ‘n Shake and Coca-Cola – over his duties to public health. This pointed jab aimed to discredit Kennedy’s motives and portray him as driven by personal profit rather than public service.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the Department of Health and Human Services remained silent, declining to respond to requests for comment. This silence only amplified the intensity of the debate and left unanswered questions about the administration’s stance on the matter.
Jack Schlossberg, a 32-year-old Harvard Law School graduate and former political correspondent for Vogue, is now poised to enter a highly competitive political landscape. His campaign launch, however, has been inextricably linked to his family’s internal conflict, promising a captivating and potentially divisive election cycle.
