John F Kennedy’s only surviving daughter has not ruled out running for President in the future.
Caroline Kennedy is a former US ambassador to Japan, a role in which she was hugely popular.
Sources close to her claim that she is looking to follow in her uncle and father’s footsteps in the Senate and then the White House.
A source said: “Caroline had a successful ambassadorial run in Japan and feels really very confident about putting her hat in the ring for a New York congressional or Senate seat, with even possibly bigger political objectives down the road.
“Caroline is seen in some quarters as the next Hillary Clinton. She has the Kennedy name but no Clinton baggage.”
Last year, she appeared on Today with Matt Lauer and refused to rule out running for office.
It was her first television appearance since returning to America and she wouldn’t be drawn on her plans for the future.
She said: “It’s great to be home. I’m looking to figure what I’ll do next.”
Kennedy was the first female ambassador to Japan, after being appointed by Barack Obama in 2013. She left the position on January 18 as all political appointees were ordered to step down ahead of President’s Trump’s inauguration.
She had some strong words about new President Donald Trump, and his attitude towards Japan during both his election campaign and his inauguration speech.
Kennedy told Lauer: “To be taken for granted, or to be insulted as an ally who has fought alongside the United States for example, with Australia, or who contributes a huge amount to American security, in the case of Japan and Korea, is alarming and I think that, hopefully, the president will realize the benefits of working with our friends and allies around the region.”
Trump had previously said that it was time for Japan to pay its own way in terms of security, saying that the US could not be expected to continue paying the costs.
However, Defence Secretary James Mattis has visited Japan and assured the leaders that the US is still a strong ally.
Kennedy welcomed the move and said: “The region is so critical to our future, so it’s important that the defense secretary went to consult and reassure our allies about our commitment.
“They contribute more than 75% of the cost of the bases, and it’s in our interest that Japan be strong and that our troops be there. That makes us safer here at home.
“Japan’s own security helps the United States be safer, and it provides a lot of jobs and a lot of economic opportunities for American companies.”
