'He programs our minds': Jack Schlossberg says Democrats must learn from Trump's media influence

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F Kennedy and a candidate for New York's 12th Congressional District, offered a striking assessment of President Donald Trump during an interview that aired on Sunday, June 7, describing Trump's ability to dominate public conversation as a form of "genius."

Speaking to CBS New York, Schlossberg argued that Trump's influence extends beyond politics and into the way Americans think and talk every day.

While making clear that he does not admire the president, Schlossberg said Democrats need to understand how effectively Trump uses social media if they hope to compete in today's political environment.

Jack Schlossberg calls Trump's influence 'genius'

During the interview, Schlossberg acknowledged that Trump has mastered a form of communication that keeps him at the center of public attention.

The 33-year-old candidate made the remarks while discussing digital campaigning, an area that has become central to his political strategy as he seeks to replace longtime Congressman Jerry Nadler in New York's 12th District.

"I don't admire President Trump for anything, but I deeply, deeply respect and recognize his genius in the way that he programs all of what we talk about every day," Schlossberg said. "He programs our minds."

According to Schlossberg, Trump's influence is evident in how quickly his statements become the focus of public discussion.

"He says things, and we end up repeating them all day long. He's living in all of our heads right now. And it's terrible, but it is powerful. And it is the one way to wield power now. And we don't really have an option not to compete out there," he added.

Jack Schlossberg urges Democrats to take risks

Schlossberg also used the interview to encourage Democrats to become more aggressive and creative online.

He argued that political communication has always evolved alongside new technology and said Democrats should continue adapting rather than resisting those changes.

"I do that the way that Democrats in the past have always used new media, which is to celebrate and get the information out about the things that we stand for because we should be proud of it. We should use our humor, our intellect. We should not be afraid to take risks," Schlossberg said.

The congressional hopeful stressed that authenticity remains the most important factor in building an audience online.

Rather than copying a single formula, he said candidates should focus on presenting themselves honestly and consistently.

"And the way that I do that is not going to be the same as the way another candidate does that. It's about being authentic to who you are and letting people into your world. The other candidates I'm running against, they want you to look away. I want you to look at everything that I'm doing because I'm proud of it and thinking about it, and I'm working 24/7," he said.

Jack Schlossberg defends controversial social media posts

Schlossberg has become one of the most recognizable younger Democratic figures on social media, often posting unusual, humorous, and sometimes controversial videos.

His online style has attracted both supporters and critics. Some of his posts have been described as polarizing, particularly content involving Vice President JD Vance and Usha Vance.

Schlossberg, however, has repeatedly defended his approach and rejected suggestions that he has crossed any lines.

Earlier this year, when asked about criticism surrounding his posts, he pushed back against the idea that political opponents should avoid sharp humor or criticism.

"I think what's crossing a line is the propaganda that we see issued every single day by the White House and Vance," Schlossberg replied in March. He continued, "So, what are we going to do, hold back? Hold back on our sense of humor and not tease them, make fun of them back?"

Schlossberg is among several Democratic candidates seeking to replace Representative Jerry Nadler in New York's 12th Congressional District.