Former US President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of criticism after using his social media platform to launch attacks on the Kennedy family. This controversial move came just hours after the public learned of the tragic death of Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of the late President John F. Kennedy.
A Family in Mourning
Tatiana Schlossberg, aged 35, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, after a long and difficult fight with acute myeloid leukemia. The sad news was officially confirmed by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.
In a powerful and personal essay she wrote for The New Yorker, Schlossberg shared her heartbreaking journey. She revealed that she received her cancer diagnosis on May 25 of the previous year, which was also the day she welcomed her second child into the world. Her essay detailed the grueling months that followed, including chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and participation in a final clinical trial.
Timing of Attacks Draws Widespread Condemnation
Shortly after news of her death spread, Trump took to his Truth Social platform. He reposted messages that criticized the Kennedy family. The criticism centered on the family's opposition to a recent board decision to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
One of the shared posts accused the Kennedys of failing to properly care for the cultural institution. Another claimed the family primarily looks out for its own interests. This action by Trump immediately reignited the heated debate over the renaming, which several Kennedy family members and Democratic lawmakers argue is unlawful. They point out that the center is a living memorial created by an act of Congress.
Kennedy Family and Allies Respond
Members of the Kennedy family were quick to voice their disapproval of both the renaming and Trump's comments. Jack Schlossberg stated that the board's vote was not unanimous. Joe Kennedy III warned that the name change could encounter legal challenges.
Kerry Kennedy accused Trump's administration of attempting to stifle free expression. Maria Shriver expressed that the timing of the attacks, coming so soon after a family death, left her feeling "speechless and enraged."
Critics from various circles also condemned Trump's actions. The MeidasTouch Network described the reposts as "a stunning display of cruelty." Veteran journalist John Harwood stated that the former president's behavior was deeply troubling. Notably, Trump has not made any direct public statement regarding Schlossberg's passing.
The Controversial Renaming and Its Fallout
The controversy stems from a decision made earlier in the month. A handpicked board voted to change the institution's name from the John F. Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center. This move has not been without consequence.
Since the announcement, multiple artists and groups have pulled out of scheduled performances. The list includes the jazz ensemble The Cookers, the dance company Doug Varone and Dancers, folksinger Kristy Lee, and jazz artist Chuck Redd. Their cancellations signal a growing protest against the new name.
The center itself was established following the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy as a permanent memorial to honor his legacy and contributions.
