'I think I'd rather be on morning TV!': Caroline Kennedy dodges questions about whether she'll run for office as she slams Trump's 'America first' policy

  • The former first daughter and ambassador to Japan refused to answer questions about whether she is eyeing a political run, in an interview Friday morning 
  • Kennedy was appointed ambassador to Japan by President Obama
  • She returned to the U.S. this week and said she's considering 'what I'll do next'
  • Many Democrats have been hoping that Kennedy will follow in her father and uncle's steps by running for Congress, and then the presidency  
  • In her interview, Kennedy also criticized Trump's 'America first' policy 
  • 'I hope that the president will realize the benefits of working with our friends and allies around the region,' she said

By Ashley Collman For Dailymail.com

Published: 08:08 EST, 3 February 2017 | Updated: 09:46 EST, 3 February 2017

Caroline Kennedy demurred as she was asked about her political ambitions in an interview on the Today show Friday morning. 

The former first daughter has just returned from her stint as ambassador to Japan under President Obama and said that she hasn't figured out just what she's going to do for a job yet. 

Many Democrats have been hoping that Kennedy will follow in her father and uncle's footsteps by running for Congress, and then the presidency. 

Scroll down for video 

Caroline Kennedy demurred Friday morning when asked if she is eyeing a political run, in an interview on the Today show 

'You know, I just got home, so it's great to be home,' Kennedy told Matt Lauer with a smile. 'I've been home for a week or so, so really I'm looking around for what i'll do next.' 

When Lauer pressed her again, asking if she wasn't ruling a political run out, Kennedy responded with a laugh - saying 'Well, I think I'd rather be on morning TV'. 

But Kennedy certainly looked like she was taking aim at President Trump in the interview, criticizing his 'America first' policy. 

'I hope that the president will realize the benefits of working with our friends and allies around the region,' she said. 

Kennedy's interview comes as Trump's newly-minted Defense Secretary General James Mattis arrived in the region for talks with the Korean and Japanese governments. 

 I think that to be taken for granted or to be insulted as an ally who has fought beside the United States, for example with Australia, or who contributes a huge amount to American security...is alarming.
Caroline Kennedy 

Kennedy said she was heartened by the move because she thinks it's important that the administration 'reassure our allies about our commitment'. 

She seemed to be hinting at possible damage control for Trump's incendiary remarks about Japan on the campaign trail, alleging that the country wasn't pulling its weight to maintain military bases in the country.  Kennedy said that just wasn't true, since Japan already pays 'more than 70 per cent of the cost' - more than any other country. 

She also cautioned against lashing out at our closest allies, including Australia. This week, President Trump reportedly yelled at Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in a call over a deal his predecessor, President Obama, made, agreeing to take in refugees from the country.

'I think America derives great benefit from our network of alliances which have been built by people over the last 70 years. And I think that to be taken for granted or to be insulted as an ally who has fought beside the United States, for example with Australia, or who contributes a huge amount to American security, in this case Japan and Korea, is alarming,' she said. 

Kennedy served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan under President Obama. She's pictured above shaking the hand of Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in June 

Kennedy served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan under President Obama. She's pictured above shaking the hand of Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in June 

Many are hoping that Kennedy will follow in her father's footsteps by running for office. She's pictured center, above with her father, President John F. Kennedy, mother, first lady Jackie Kennedy, and her little brother JFK Jr. in 1961

Many are hoping that Kennedy will follow in her father's footsteps by running for office. She's pictured center, above with her father, President John F. Kennedy, mother, first lady Jackie Kennedy, and her little brother JFK Jr. in 1961

Comments (300)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now