Donald Trump criticizes Kennedy family online in Washington DC hours after JFK’s granddaughter Tatiana Schlossberg dies of leukemia

CNN anchor Jake Tapper didn’t hold back in criticizing President Donald Trump after the former president sparked outrage by attacking the Kennedy family online.

His posts came just hours after the tragic news that Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of JFK, had passed away at the age of 35 following a brief battle with acute myeloid leukemia, a fast-moving blood and bone marrow cancer.

The news of Tatiana’s death was shared by the JFK Library Foundation, representing her family, including her husband Dr. George Moran and their two young children, Edwin and Josephine.

Trump Targets Kennedys Days After Loss

Trump, rather than addressing the loss, reposted social media messages criticizing the Kennedy family over their supposed neglect of the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

He did not mention Tatiana by name, but the timing of his posts — hours after her death — drew immediate condemnation.

The controversy stems from the Trump administration’s decision to rename the iconic venue the Trump-Kennedy Center, a move that angered both the family and members of the arts community.

Originally dedicated in 1971 as a memorial to JFK, the center has long been a symbol of the late president’s legacy.

Social Media Erupts With Criticism

Many on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to react to Trump’s online attack. Some users were scathing:

• “Just when you think he can’t get any lower. He is truly an evil man.”

• “The person occupying the White House is a mean, nasty, evil, rotten, disrespectful, thoughtless turd.”

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Even Tapper called out the move, describing the reposted messages as “garbage” aimed at a grieving family.

The Kennedy Center Renaming Sparks Outrage

The renaming of the Kennedy Center was announced on December 18 by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, claiming the board voted unanimously to approve the change.

Trump shared screenshots of MAGA supporters criticizing the Kennedys, saying the family had failed to support the center and had “long neglected” it.

However, Kennedy family members and some board members disputed this.

Ohio Representative Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio board member, said she had been muted during the vote and that it was not a consensus decision.

Jack Schlossberg, Tatiana’s brother, echoed the claim online, confirming that microphones were cut off and the vote was far from unanimous.

Family Members Speak Out

The Kennedy family has spoken openly about their outrage.

Maria Shriver, JFK’s niece, shared her disbelief and frustration, stating that some situations are best met with quiet reflection, though the decision left her “speechless, enraged, and in a state of disbelief.”

Joe Kennedy III, JFK’s grandnephew, reminded the public that the Kennedy Center is a living memorial, legally named for the late president.

He argued that no individual, no matter their position, has the authority to rename it, comparing such an act to renaming the Lincoln Memorial.

A Grieving Family Under the Spotlight

The timing of Trump’s posts, coupled with the ongoing renaming dispute, has added public scrutiny to a family already dealing with immense personal loss.

Tatiana’s death, just a month after she revealed her leukemia diagnosis, has cast a shadow over the political feud and sparked widespread empathy online for the Kennedy family.

The controversy highlights not only the tensions surrounding the Trump administration’s decision but also the broader discussion about respect, legacy, and the boundaries of political critique during personal tragedy.