Jack Schlossberg stands as a prominent figure in the Kennedy lineage, carrying forward the legacy of his grandfather, former President John F. Kennedy, and grandmother, Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Born on January 19, 1993, to Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, he was named John Bouvier “Jack” Kennedy Schlossberg, a name that directly honors his maternal grandparents. As the sole grandson of JFK, Jack navigates his own path while embodying the spirit of public service and intellectual curiosity that defines his family.
From his academic achievements at Yale and Harvard to his burgeoning career in law and political commentary, Jack Schlossberg is carving out a unique identity. This article delves into the life of John F. Kennedy’s grandson, exploring his upbringing, education, career endeavors, and his connection to the enduring Kennedy legacy.
Early Life and Family Heritage
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Jack Schlossberg’s childhood picture, shared on his Instagram, reflecting his early life.
Born in New York City, Jack Schlossberg grew up in a family deeply rooted in American history and public service. He is the youngest of three children, with two older sisters, Rose Kennedy Schlossberg and Tatiana Kennedy Schlossberg. While his sisters have pursued careers in filmmaking and journalism respectively, Jack has charted a course that blends legal expertise with political engagement, reminiscent of his Kennedy forebears.
Despite growing up away from the intense media glare that once surrounded his grandfather, Jack has embraced his heritage. His name itself, John Bouvier “Jack” Kennedy Schlossberg, serves as a constant reminder of his lineage. He has often spoken of the inspiration he draws from his family’s commitment to public service, while also emphasizing his desire to forge his own distinct path.
Education at Yale and Harvard
Jack Schlossberg’s academic journey reflects a commitment to intellectual rigor and a broad range of interests. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Yale University, focusing on history with a particular emphasis on Japanese history. This academic focus foreshadowed his later experiences living and working in Japan.
Following his graduation from Yale in 2015, Jack embarked on a demanding joint degree program at Harvard University, enrolling in both Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School. This ambitious undertaking culminated in dual M.B.A. and J.D. degrees in 2022. His time at Harvard placed him in the academic environment where his grandfather had also studied, a connection he acknowledged with both humility and a touch of humor. He noted the omnipresence of his grandfather’s name on campus landmarks, a tangible reminder of the Kennedy legacy within the Harvard community.
Professional Pursuits and Political Voice
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Caroline Kennedy and her son, John Schlossberg, photographed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, 2017.
Jack Schlossberg’s professional life is developing along two main tracks: law and political commentary. He successfully passed the New York bar exam in 2023, marking a significant step in his legal career. While the specific direction of his legal practice remains to be seen, his education and bar admission solidify his credentials in the legal field.
Beyond law, Jack has increasingly engaged in the political sphere, utilizing his platform to voice his opinions and carry on his family’s tradition of political involvement. His early experiences include serving as a page for Senator John Kerry and a Senate intern, providing him with firsthand exposure to the workings of American government.
In recent years, Jack has become more outspoken on political issues. He publicly criticized former Vice President Mike Pence for invoking JFK’s words in defense of Donald Trump during impeachment proceedings. He also appeared alongside his mother, Caroline Kennedy, in a video message for the Democratic National Convention, endorsing Joe Biden for president. His commentary often reflects a progressive viewpoint, aligning with the Democratic ideals associated with the Kennedy family.
Embracing the Kennedy Legacy and Forging His Own Path
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Jack Schlossberg presenting the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award at The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library And Museum, Boston, 2016.
The weight of the Kennedy legacy is undeniable for Jack Schlossberg. Comparisons to his grandfather, John F. Kennedy, and his uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr., are frequent and inevitable. He bears a striking resemblance to his uncle, a fact often noted in media and public commentary. However, Jack has consistently articulated his desire to be recognized as an individual in his own right.
While acknowledging the profound influence of his family’s history, Jack is actively “trying to be my own person and do my own thing,” as he stated in a 2017 interview. He recognizes that he lives in a vastly different era than his grandfather and is exploring his own passions and interests to define his unique contribution.
This balance between honoring his heritage and establishing personal autonomy is a defining characteristic of Jack Schlossberg’s public persona. He embraces the values of public service and civic engagement instilled in him by his family, while simultaneously seeking to apply his own skills and perspectives to contemporary challenges.
Paddleboarding, Public Life, and Personal Interests
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Jack Schlossberg paddleboarding in New York City, a hobby frequently shared on his Instagram account.
Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Jack Schlossberg engages in a variety of activities that offer glimpses into his personal life. He is an avid paddleboarder, often sharing his adventures on social media. His participation in a charity paddleboarding race around Manhattan highlights his commitment to both environmental causes and autism advocacy.
His time living and working in Japan after graduating from Yale reflects a global perspective and a willingness to immerse himself in different cultures. His mother’s role as U.S. Ambassador to Japan during this period undoubtedly influenced his decision to live and work there.
Jack’s public profile received a new dimension in July 2024 when Vogue magazine announced him as their political correspondent. This role leverages his deep understanding of politics and his ability to communicate effectively, offering him a platform to reach a broad audience with his insights on the upcoming presidential election and the broader political landscape. Vogue‘s editor noted his “irreverent but intelligent takes on the political landscape,” suggesting that his commentary will bring a fresh and engaging perspective to political discourse.
Criticism of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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Jack Schlossberg (left) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (right), representing different branches and political stances within the Kennedy family.
In a notable instance of asserting his own political stance, Jack Schlossberg publicly criticized his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., regarding RFK Jr.’s campaign for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination and his propagation of conspiracy theories, particularly concerning vaccines. In a video posted on Instagram in July 2023, Jack directly addressed RFK Jr.’s views, expressing strong disagreement and reaffirming his support for President Joe Biden.
Jack defended President Biden’s record, praising his administration’s achievements and aligning him with the progressive ideals of his grandfather. He sharply criticized RFK Jr.’s campaign, accusing him of trading on “Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame.” This public disagreement underscores Jack’s willingness to take independent positions, even within his own family, and to defend what he believes are important political principles.
A New Generation of Kennedy
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Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg on the ‘Today’ show in 2017, in Jack’s first live television appearance.
Jack Schlossberg represents a new generation of the Kennedy family, one that is navigating the complexities of modern life while carrying the weight of a historic legacy. He is actively building a multifaceted career that encompasses law, media, and political engagement. Whether through his legal work, his political commentary for Vogue, or his public advocacy, Jack Schlossberg is emerging as a distinct voice, shaped by his Kennedy heritage but driven by his own ambitions and ideals.
As he continues to define his path, the world watches with interest to see how John F. Kennedy’s grandson will further contribute to public life and shape his own chapter in the ongoing Kennedy story. His blend of intellectual curiosity, commitment to service, and growing public presence suggests that Jack Schlossberg is poised to make a significant impact in the years to come.
