President Donald Trump drew sharp backlash Tuesday after reposting criticism of the Kennedy family only hours after they announced a devastating loss.
The Kennedy family confirmed that Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, had died after battling acute myeloid leukemia. She was the daughter of Caroline Kennedy.
While the family was publicly grieving, Trump shared a series of mocking posts targeting the Kennedys on Truth Social.
Kennedy Family Announces Tragic Death
The family shared news of Schlossberg’s death earlier Tuesday through social media tributes.
Maria Shriver, a cousin of Caroline Kennedy, wrote that Tatiana loved life and fought hard to survive.
“Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts,” the family said in a joint statement.
According to the American Cancer Society, acute myeloid leukemia is an aggressive blood cancer that often requires intensive treatment.
American Cancer Society information
Trump Reposts Attacks Amid Mourning
Despite the family’s announcement, Trump reposted messages criticizing the Kennedys later that evening.
The posts accused the family of neglecting the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and praised Trump’s own support of the arts.
Trump did not mention Schlossberg by name, but the timing of the posts drew widespread criticism online.
Many social media users described the move as insensitive given the family’s public grief.
Dispute Centers on the Kennedy Center Name
The criticism appears tied to an ongoing dispute over the Kennedy Center, the historic performing arts venue in Washington.
The center was named in honor of President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963.
Joe Kennedy III recently argued that the name is protected by federal law and cannot be changed.
Trump has escalated tensions in recent weeks by announcing plans to rename the venue the Trump Kennedy Center.
Reuters coverage of the Kennedy Center dispute
Kennedys Remain Focused on Grieving
The Kennedy family has not responded to Trump’s remarks.
Most of their public statements on Tuesday focused solely on honoring Schlossberg’s life.
Shriver wrote that the family would make sure Schlossberg’s children grow up knowing their mother’s courage and spirit.
“Please pause and honor your life,” she wrote. “It truly is such a gift.”
A Long History of Political Tension
Trump and members of the Kennedy family have clashed repeatedly over politics, legacy, and public institutions.
Those tensions intensified during Trump’s second term, particularly around cultural and historical symbols.
The latest episode has reignited debate about political conduct during moments of national and personal tragedy.
As the Kennedys mourn privately, Trump’s comments continue to draw scrutiny across the political spectrum.