A political family feud just went national. On Wednesday, the White House strongly rejected sharp remarks from Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, who publicly criticized his cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The clash erupted as Schlossberg announced his own bid for Congress in New York’s 12th District.
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Schlossberg’s comments as “ridiculous.” She defended RFK Jr., saying, “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.”
Schlossberg didn’t hold back in his MSNBC interview. He accused his cousin of being a pawn in the Trump administration, claiming President Trump is “obsessed” with the Kennedy family. He called RFK Jr. a “rabid dog,” claiming he spreads lies and misinformation, even linking him to rising measles cases in West Texas — though local health authorities confirmed the outbreak had ended in August.
He went further, saying, “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.”
The feud highlights a deep political divide within the Kennedy family. Schlossberg, 32, the son of Caroline Kennedy, recently graduated from Harvard Law and has worked as a political correspondent for Vogue. His congressional run signals alignment with the Democratic Party, putting him in direct ideological opposition to his cousin, who serves in a Republican administration.
RFK Jr., a longtime environmental attorney and public skeptic of vaccines, has been a controversial figure for years. His appointment as HHS Secretary was seen as appealing to voters skeptical of federal health institutions.
Leavitt’s defense signals the White House’s commitment to its health secretary, despite family drama and public criticism. “Any criticism that undermines his work is just not true,” she said, emphasizing RFK Jr.’s efforts to bring “transparency and scientific integrity” back to healthcare.
This isn’t just family drama — it’s a reflection of America’s growing political polarization. Even the nation’s most storied political dynasties are now caught in public battles over policy, loyalty, and ideology. As Schlossberg steps into politics, his feud with his cousin is likely to stay front and center in the media spotlight.
