Jack Schlossberg, the 33-year-old grandson of President John F. Kennedy, has outlined what he described as the conditions under which President Donald Trump might receive the Kennedy family's Profile in Courage Award — though he made clear such recognition remains highly unlikely.
During an appearance on MS Now on Sunday, March 22, Schlossberg promoted the upcoming 2026 Profile in Courage Award ceremony, scheduled for May 31 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts. When asked what Trump would need to do to receive the award, Schlossberg began with a candid assessment.
"To be honest, I don't think he's in the running anytime soon," Schlossberg stated.
He then offered what appeared to be a sarcastic response, suggesting Trump would need to "admit to the many crimes and the grift that he has committed while president in office" and "step down and hand over the power of the presidency to somebody responsible, and not somebody in his own Cabinet." Schlossberg also referenced the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, questioning the true motivations behind the selection.
The Profile in Courage Award, named after President Kennedy's 1956 book, has historically recognized individuals from across the political spectrum. This year's recipients include Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, honored for protecting the independence of the Federal Reserve, and the people of Minneapolis, recognized for protecting neighbors and immigrant community members during federal law enforcement operations.
The Kennedy family has previously awarded the prize to Republican figures, including former Vice President Mike Pence in 2025 and former Congresswoman Liz Cheney in 2022, demonstrating a bipartisan approach to recognizing political courage.
Schlossberg's comments come amid ongoing tensions between the Kennedy family and the Trump administration. Recent friction has centered on Trump's decision to rename the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, as "The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" and declare himself chairman of the venue. Trump has announced the Kennedy Center will close in July for a two-year restoration project.
Maria Shriver, daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and niece of President Kennedy, criticized the renaming in December 2025. "Adding your name to a memorial already named in honor of a great man doesn't make you a great man," she wrote via Instagram. "Quite the contrary."
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who serves in the Trump administration, has declined to join family criticism of the Kennedy Center changes. When asked by CBS News in January whether he understood why his family might be upset, the 72-year-old responded, "Of course. I understand it, but I have bigger fish to fry."
Schlossberg himself entered the political arena in November 2025, announcing a congressional campaign in New York. He is seeking election to New York's 12th congressional district, a seat being vacated by retiring Congressman Jerry Nadler.
The White House has not responded to requests for comment on Schlossberg's remarks regarding the Profile in Courage Award.
