This week marked a poignant moment for the Kennedy family, as they grieved the loss of Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy. Yet, amidst the family’s sorrow, former President Donald Trump shared a series of posts on social media that many found insensitive.
Tatiana Schlossberg, daughter of Caroline Kennedy, passed away on December 30, 2024, after battling acute myeloid leukemia. The family, mourning her loss, shared the sad news through social media with a heartfelt message, expressing the deep void left by Tatiana’s passing: “Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts.” The message bore the signatures of family members, signifying a united front in this time of grief.
While the news saw an outpouring of support for the Kennedy family, Donald Trump, known for his ongoing feud with the Kennedys, took a different path. He posted several critical remarks about them on his platform, Truth Social.
The discord between Trump and the Kennedys dates back several weeks. Tensions heightened when Trump proposed changing the name of the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center. The Kennedy Center, a pivotal cultural institution, stands as a tribute to President Kennedy, memorializing his legacy since his tragic assassination in 1963.
Joe Kennedy III, President Kennedy’s grandnephew, vocally opposed Trump’s suggestion, defending the center as a “living memorial”. He asserted, “The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law. It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says.”
Seemingly unfazed by these sentiments, Trump shared critical comments from his followers regarding the Kennedy family’s involvement with the center. One post alleged: “The Kennedy family have LONG neglected the Kennedy Center, by the way. 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 claimed, “The Trumps have always been supporters of the arts. The Kennedys are supporters of the Kennedys.” Although Trump refrained from mentioning Tatiana directly, the timing of his remarks drew criticism from many quarters.
The backlash was immediate, with social media users condemning Trump’s timing. An X account rhetorically challenged the insensitivity, stating, “Just hours after Caroline Kennedy’s daughter, Tatiana Schlossberg, tragically died, Donald Trump has launched a series of social media attacks against her family. RETWEET if you stand with @CarolineKennedy against these despicable attacks!”
CNN’s Jake Tapper also weighed in, describing Trump’s posts as a “stunning display of cruelty” and dismissing them as “social media garbage.”
This scenario has left many pondering over Trump’s comments and timing, renewing the conversation about respect and decorum.
