US President Donald Trump drew sharp criticism Tuesday evening after sharing a series of mocking and disparaging posts aimed at the Kennedy family, just hours after the family publicly confirmed the death of a close relative. While the president did not reference the loss directly, the timing of the posts triggered widespread backlash online and renewed scrutiny of Trump’s increasingly public feud with one of America’s most storied political dynasties.
The president took to his Truth Social platform late Tuesday, reposting comments from supporters that criticized the Kennedy family and praised Trump, framing the family as disengaged and self-interested. The posts came as the Kennedys were publicly mourning, prompting many observers to question the tone and judgment of the president’s remarks during a moment of private grief.
The latest episode marks an escalation in tensions that have been building for weeks between Trump and members of the Kennedy family, a dispute that has increasingly spilled into the public sphere. At the center of the conflict is the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., a nationally recognized performing arts institution that has long stood as a cultural memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
Earlier this month, Trump formally announced the renaming of the venue as the Trump-Kennedy Center, a move that immediately drew condemnation from Kennedy family members and arts advocates alike. The center was designated a living memorial to JFK following his assassination in 1963 and was named by federal statute, a fact repeatedly cited by critics who argue the name cannot be altered by presidential preference.
“It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says,” Joe Kennedy III, the grandson of former Senator Robert F. Kennedy, said in a public statement responding to the move.
Despite the controversy, Trump appeared to double down on Tuesday evening, amplifying posts from followers that accused the Kennedy family of neglecting the institution altogether.
“The Kennedy Family have LONG neglected the Kennedy Center,” one reposted message claimed. “They don’t raise money for it. They never show up. And the only Kennedy who has been there recently is a member of Trump’s cabinet.”
Another message shared by the president read, “The Trumps have always been supporters of the arts. The Kennedys are supporters of the Kennedys.”
While Trump did not add original commentary of his own, the decision to repost the remarks was widely interpreted as an endorsement of their sentiment. Critics were quick to point out that the posts surfaced just hours after the Kennedy family confirmed the death of Caroline Kennedy’s daughter, a loss that had already prompted an outpouring of condolences across political and cultural circles.
The family announced the passing earlier Tuesday, confirming that Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, had died following a battle with acute myeloid leukemia. The announcement was shared via social media and signed by multiple family members, describing her as deeply loved and remembered.
“Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts,” the statement read.
Although Trump did not mention her by name, many users on social media described the president’s posts as “poorly timed” and “needlessly cruel,” arguing that even long-running political disputes should be set aside in moments of personal tragedy.
The Kennedy family has not publicly responded to Trump’s remarks. Instead, relatives used their platforms on Tuesday to pay tribute, focusing entirely on honoring her life rather than addressing the political dispute.
Maria Shriver, a cousin of Caroline Kennedy, shared a deeply emotional message reflecting on the loss and the impact it has had on the family.
“I return to this space today to pay tribute to my sweet, beloved cousin, who left this earth today,” Shriver wrote. “I return to this space to honor her loving and supportive family, who came together and did everything they possibly could to help her.”
Shriver described the loss as incomprehensible, writing that her cousin “loved life” and “fought like hell to try to save it,” words that resonated widely with readers and drew sympathy across ideological lines.
“I cannot make sense of this. I cannot make any sense of it at all. None. Zero,” she continued.
She also offered words of support for Caroline Kennedy, writing that her heart had always been with her cousin and that it was with her “now more than ever.”
“Those of us left behind will make sure her children know what a beautiful, courageous spirit their mother was and will always be,” Shriver added, calling for people to pause and reflect on the fragility and value of life.
The contrast between the family’s public mourning and Trump’s online activity only intensified criticism, particularly given the president’s history of using social media to attack political rivals during moments of heightened emotion.
Supporters of the president, however, defended the posts, arguing that Trump was addressing a longstanding institutional dispute rather than the family’s personal loss. They emphasized that he did not explicitly reference the death and maintained that criticism of the Kennedy Center’s leadership should be viewed separately from private grief.
Still, the episode underscores how personal tragedy and political conflict can collide in an era dominated by real-time digital commentary. It also highlights Trump’s continued willingness to engage in public confrontation, even as president, regardless of timing or optics.
As of Wednesday morning, the White House had not issued a statement addressing the controversy, and no clarification or apology has been offered. The Kennedy family, for their part, has remained silent on the matter, choosing instead to focus on remembrance and mourning.
Whether the dispute over the Kennedy Center will continue to escalate remains unclear. What is certain is that the events of Tuesday have once again placed Trump’s combative style under the spotlight—this time against the backdrop of a family grappling with profound loss.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
