Schlossberg Calls Cousin RFK Jr. 'Dangerous' Over Vaccine Policies

President Kennedy's grandson running for Congress in New York slams Trump cabinet official's stance on vaccines.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy who is running for Congress in New York, has doubled down on criticizing his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration. Schlossberg called RFK Jr. a 'dangerous person' in charge of 'life-and-death decisions' due to his controversial positions on vaccine policies, including rescinding the recommendation for newborns to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. Schlossberg said he wants Democrats to take control of the House so they can subpoena RFK Jr. to find out who is 'paying for the words that are coming out of his mouth'.

Why it matters

The feud between the two prominent Kennedy family members highlights the deep political divisions within the Democratic party over public health issues like vaccine policies. As a rising political star, Schlossberg's attacks on his cousin, who holds a powerful cabinet position, could have significant implications for the party's messaging and strategy heading into the next election cycle.

The details

Schlossberg, who is running for the congressional seat being vacated by longtime Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler, made the comments during an interview on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe.' He accused RFK Jr. of making 'ridiculous' claims that are 'not backed by science,' and said the HHS Secretary's positions have led to fewer children getting vaccinated, putting lives at risk. Schlossberg said he wants to use the subpoena power of the House to investigate who is funding RFK Jr.'s controversial views.

  • On February 11, 2026, Schlossberg doubled down on his criticism of RFK Jr. during the 'Morning Joe' interview.

The players

Jack Schlossberg

The grandson of President John F. Kennedy who is running for Congress in New York.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration and Schlossberg's cousin.

Nancy Pelosi

The former Speaker of the House who has endorsed Schlossberg's congressional campaign.

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What they’re saying

“And as ridiculous as some of the claims and entertaining that they might be — it's all fun when you're designing a new food pyramid. But when people are dying of measles, this is serious business. People are not getting vaccinated; they rescinded the recommendation to get a Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. Why?”

— Jack Schlossberg, Congressional Candidate (MSNBC)

“I want Democrats to win back the House so that we have control over the Judiciary Committee because of one word, 'subpoena.' I want to know who is paying for the words that are coming out of his mouth, because they're not backed by science.”

— Jack Schlossberg, Congressional Candidate (MSNBC)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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