Jack Schlossberg, a candidate for Congress in New York’s 12th District, has openly challenged his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., over his controversial stance on vaccinations and public health policies. Schlossberg, the son of Caroline Kennedy, has become increasingly vocal about what he perceives as harmful approaches to public health that are being advocated by RFK Jr., who is currently the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
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In a recent interview with MS Now, Schlossberg expressed serious concerns regarding the implications of Kennedy’s anti-vaccine campaign. He highlighted a notable rise in measles cases in the US, along with the departure of key scientists from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Schlossberg accused Kennedy of leading an “anti-vax crusade” that he believes is detrimental to public health.
Commenting on the inconsistency in Kennedy’s public health messaging, Schlossberg stated, “All I’ve seen is a food pyramid that’s been flipped upside down, doesn’t really make any sense, telling us that junk food’s bad for us. Well, I already knew that.” He pointed out that these types of narratives do little to address the pressing public health issues that communities in his district face, particularly given New York’s vulnerability to such challenges.
Should he be elected, Schlossberg has pledged to investigate his cousin’s actions and the leadership at HHS. He specifically mentioned a need for clarity regarding Kennedy’s choice of medications associated with autism, stating, “I want to know why he chose Tylenol and not Advil as a cause for autism.” He also raised questions about financial influences on Kennedy’s statements, asserting, “I want to know who is paying for the words that come out of his mouth, because to me it seems like everyone in this administration is making a lot of money while American working families are struggling.”
This public rebuke is not a new development for Schlossberg, who has previously suggested that RFK Jr. may pursue a presidential bid in the 2028 election, following a short-lived campaign in 2024. In a conversation with the New York Post, he remarked on Kennedy’s “cultish” following, remarking that the motivations behind their loyalty do not align with logical reasoning.
The animosity within the family regarding this matter isn’t limited to Schlossberg’s remarks. Caroline Kennedy, Schlossberg’s mother, has also been critical of RFK Jr.’s actions. In a letter released in January 2025, she described her cousin as a “predator” who exploits parents’ desperation for sick children by promoting anti-vaccine sentiments. Caroline’s writing contains strong references to the legacy of their family members, including her father, President John F. Kennedy, and her uncle, Senator Edward Kennedy, both of whom committed their lives to public service and improving healthcare in the country.
Caroline has articulated that she is certain her father and uncle would be horrified by what they perceive as RFK Jr.’s dangerous advocacy against vaccinations. She stated, “Unlike Bobby, I try not to speak for my father, but I am certain that he and my uncle Bobby would be disgusted” by the current trajectory of RFK Jr.’s public health policies.
This family feud illustrates the broader political and public health debate surrounding vaccination in the United States. As Schlossberg campaigns for Congress, the contrast between his public health perspectives and those of his cousin could play a significant role in shaping voter opinions in New York’s 12th District.
With the election approaching, Schlossberg’s vocal opposition to his cousin’s policies may not only define his campaign but also galvanise a voter base concerned about the implications of anti-vaccine rhetoric on public health initiatives. His commitment to accountability may resonate with constituents who view public health as a critical aspect of community well-being and safety.
As New York engages in the political discourse leading up to the upcoming election, Schlossberg’s stance presents an intriguing dynamic within a family entrenched in political legacy while grappling with contemporary public health crises.