Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Friday that he is ending his presidential campaign and endorsing Republican nominee Donald Trump. This move concludes Kennedy’s bid, which aimed to present voters with an alternative to the major party candidates.
In his speech delivered from Arizona, Kennedy criticized the Democratic Party for what he described as a system stacked against independent candidates. He expressed doubts about his campaign’s viability, citing “relentless systematic censorship” as a significant barrier.
Kennedy praised Trump, noting that they had met twice recently and that Trump had offered him a role in his administration—something Kennedy claimed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris did not reciprocate.
By backing Trump, Kennedy hopes to continue influencing the political landscape, focusing on his key issues such as vaccine skepticism, isolationist foreign policy, and health concerns. His shift from a potential spoiler to a kingmaker comes amid Trump’s efforts to counter Kamala Harris’s momentum after her official nomination.
Kennedy joined Trump on stage later that day at a rally in Glendale, Arizona, where he received a warm reception from the crowd. Trump, in turn, vowed to establish a new presidential commission on assassination attempts, including the one against him in July, and promised to release more documents related to the assassination of Kennedy’s uncle, President John F. Kennedy, in 1963.
Trump expressed that Kennedy’s endorsement would significantly impact his campaign, though the effect remains uncertain. Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio suggested that Kennedy’s supporters might shift to Trump in key swing states, though public polls show any advantage is minimal.
The Democratic National Committee dismissed the endorsement, with Senior Adviser Mary Beth Cahill arguing that Kennedy’s failed campaign would not boost Trump’s support.
Kennedy’s endorsement was marred by confusion as his campaign attorney announced it just before his speech, leading to a brief denial from his spokesperson. Kennedy acknowledged past criticisms of Trump but highlighted their alignment on certain issues.
Kennedy’s decision has disappointed members of his Democratic family, who view it as a betrayal of their core values. Meanwhile, Jen O’Malley Dillon, chairwoman of Harris’ campaign, extended a message to Kennedy’s supporters, emphasizing the Democratic nominee’s commitment to uniting the country and addressing the needs of working people.
At a Las Vegas event, Trump celebrated Kennedy’s support but declined to comment on the specifics of the position offered to him in a potential Trump administration.
