Sept. 22 2025, Published 3:20 p.m. ET
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While the late President John F. Kennedy‘s numerous affairs, such as his liaison with Marilyn Monroe, have been the subject of speculation for decades, a recent publication titled Passion on the Potomac has put a spotlight on the supposedly clandestine relationship between First Lady Jackie Kennedy and Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, as uncovered by RadarOnline.com.
For years, Jackie and McNamara were observed to share an unusually close rapport, exchanging flirtatious notes and Valentine’s cards, leading many to speculate about the extent of their connection.
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Jackie Danced With Sec. McNamara at White House Event
The pair were the talk of the town after dancing together at a White House gala in 1962.
Jackie and McNamara first attracted media attention during a 1962 White House function, roughly a year after her husband had been inaugurated as president. At this gathering, the First Lady and the Secretary of Defense were seen dancing the Twist. Post-event, Jackie reportedly sent McNamara a playful note regarding their vibrant dance, recalling it fondly for days to follow.
Her lighthearted Valentine’s collage, she created, featured cutouts of their faces placed on photos of dancing bodies, along with newspaper clippings chronicling their moments on the dance floor.
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Jackie Sent Valentine’s Collage to McNamara
Jackie’s flirty collage was a playful homage to their memorable dance.
During this period, Jackie is believed to have continued their correspondence, sending McNamara additional playful notes and photographs from their time at the event. Over time, this relationship reportedly evolved into something beyond mere friendship, piecing together through their writings and insider testimonials from close associates.
Ben Bradlee, a friend of the Kennedy family, shared that during a White House dinner, Jackie openly admitted her attraction to McNamara, remarking that he possessed a certain “sex appeal” that men often overlooked.
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McNamara Confessed to Spending the Night With Jackie
Insiders noted Jackie had hinted at her attraction to Bob, prompting further speculation.
Jackie’s sister, Lee Radziwill, remarked that Jackie was drawn to McNamara’s quick wit and affectionate nature. Years later, while reflecting on his time as Secretary of Defense, McNamara shockingly revealed to collaborators that he had spent the night at Jackie’s family residence in Newport, Rhode Island, during one of her husband’s absences.
This revelation, though explosive, was accompanied by McNamara’s request for the authors to keep it private, stating: “I was close to Jackie and I have great fondness for her, but I don’t think that issue should be part of the narrative.”
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Years after JFK’s assassination, Jackie expressed her enduring affection for McNamara.
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Some suggested that Jackie turned to McNamara for comfort due to her husband’s numerous public indiscretions. On Valentine’s Day in 1963, McNamara crafted a heartfelt card for Jackie, complete with a drawing of a heart and arrow, which she described as “the most marvelous card” she had ever received. Following the tragic assassination of JFK, which occurred with Jackie at his side during a motorcade in Dallas, McNamara was quick to support Jackie, even at one point being present during her husband’s autopsy.
Though Jackie officially exited her role as First Lady in the wake of JFK’s assassination, her bond with McNamara persisted for years to come.
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By the mid-1960s, McNamara increasingly made visits to Jackie in New York City, where they indulged in sumptuous meals at upscale restaurants. However, their alleged affair began to wane as they disagreed over the Vietnam War. Notably, an emotional correspondence from Jackie in later years suggested that the passion she once felt for McNamara had not entirely extinguished; she wrote to him, saying, “You will always be my shining knight.”
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