JFK's Grandson Jack Schlossberg Acknowledges Trump's Social Media Influence While Running for Congress
Democratic congressional candidate Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, credited Donald Trump with a 'genius' ability to 'program our minds' through social media and public messaging. Schlossberg made the remarks in a CBS New York interview while discussing his own social media-driven campaign for New York's 12th Congressional District, the seat being vacated by Rep. Jerry Nadler. The comments highlight ongoing Democratic debate over how to counter Trump's dominance of the national conversation, particularly on social media platforms.
In a CBS New York interview, Jack Schlossberg — JFK's grandson and a Democratic candidate for New York's 12th Congressional District — said he deeply respects what he called Trump's 'genius' in controlling public discourse, even while stating he admires nothing else about the president. Schlossberg said Trump 'programs our minds' by making statements that people end up repeating throughout the day, calling it 'terrible, but powerful.' He urged Democrats to compete on social media by leaning into authenticity, humor, and intellectual engagement rather than ceding the space to Republicans. Schlossberg, 33, has built his campaign heavily around a social media presence, including a notable TikTok following, though his posts have drawn criticism — including being labeled 'creepy' — particularly for content targeting Vice President JD Vance's wife. His campaign has also faced scrutiny over reports of erratic behavior and poor management, including a New York Times profile citing concerns from campaign sources about his fitness for office.
What's missing
No polling data or expert analysis is included to assess his standing in the crowded Democratic primary field.
How coverage differed
Fox News framed the story around Schlossberg's controversial social media behavior and his denial of 'crossing a line,' lending a critical tone toward the candidate. The New York Post leaned more heavily into characterizing Schlossberg as a struggling 'nepo baby' with a poorly managed campaign, citing a damaging New York Times profile, while both outlets highlighted the 'genius' quote in a way that could be read as undermining Schlossberg's Democratic credentials.
What different sources said
- New York PostRight
Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg calls Trump a ‘genius’ who is ‘living in all our heads’
- Fox NewsRight
JFK's grandson Jack Schlossberg warns about the 'genius' way Trump 'programs our minds'
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