When political figures rise to prominence, especially controversial ones like Donald Trump and MAGA-aligned figures like RFK Jr. or J.D. Vance, family dynamics can become public lightning rods.
From social media posts and statements to books and interviews, relatives sometimes openly criticize these leaders, revealing deep personal and political rifts. Here are 9 documented instances where Trump and fellow MAGA politicians were publicly exposed or rebuked by their own relatives:
Trump — Maryanne Trump Barry’s leaked criticism
In secretly recorded conversations with Mary Trump, former federal judge Maryanne Trump Barry — Donald Trump’s sister — criticized her brother’s character, saying he had “no principles” and was untrustworthy.
RFK Jr. — Max Kennedy publicly condemned his Trump endorsement
Max Kennedy, RFK Jr.’s brother, criticized RFK’s decision to endorse Trump, calling it “inconceivable” and imploring supporters to back the Democratic ticket. Multiple Kennedy family members publicly distanced themselves from his choice, intensifying the family feud.
J.D. Vance — Criticism from cousin who fought in Ukraine
Meanwhile, Nate Vance, a first cousin of Vice President J.D. Vance, publicly lambasted his relative for his stance on Ukraine and interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A former U.S. Marine who volunteered with Ukrainian forces for years, Nate criticized both Vance and doTrump for what he saw as harmful policy shifts. He also said that the U.S. had become “Vladimir Putin’s useful idiots,” calling out his cousin in French media interviews.
RFK Jr. — Caroline Kennedy called him unqualified and a “predator”
Caroline Kennedy broke from tradition by writing a public letter opposing her cousin RFK Jr.’s confirmation as HHS Secretary. She described him as unfit and labeled him a “predator,” criticizing his past behavior and lack of qualifications.
Trump — Fred Trump III’s memoir
Trump’s nephew, Fred Trump III, revealed in his 2024 memoir, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, how his uncle treated vulnerable relatives — in particular, Fred’s son, who has a rare genetic condition.
RFK Jr. — Joe Kennedy III calls for his resignation
In September 2025, Joe Kennedy III publicly condemned RFK Jr. after a contentious Senate hearing, declaring him “a threat to the health and well-being of every American” and urging him to resign as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Trump — Mary Trump’s critiques in books and media
Trump’s niece, Mary L. Trump, has been one of his most prominent family critics. In her books Too Much and Never Enough and The Reckoning, she offers an unflattering portrait of her uncle’s personality, leadership, and family dynamics, describing his upbringing, emotional traits, and behavior with a candid insider perspective.
RFK Jr. — Jack Schlossberg calls him “dangerous” and a “rabid dog”
Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, sharply criticized his cousin RFK Jr., who joined Trump’s administration as Health and Human Services Secretary. In an interview, he said Trump was “so obsessed with the Kennedys” that he “caged one and put it in his Cabinet, a rabid dog,” referring to RFK Jr. Schlossberg also called his relative “dangerous” for his influence on health policy.
RFK Jr. — denounced by Kennedy family members over Trump endorsement
In August 2024, five of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s siblings — Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Courtney Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Chris Kennedy, and Rory Kennedy — issued a joint statement condemning his decision to endorse Trump after ending his independent presidential campaign, calling it a “betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear.” The statement criticized RFK Jr.’s alignment with Trump and urged support for the Democratic ticket instead.
As we’ve seen, these documented criticisms — ranging from ethical accusations to calls for resignation — highlight deep disagreements in personal values, affecting historical legacies tied to prominent political dynasties.
Published: Jan 26, 2026 02:01 pm