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Jimmy Williams
In an expected move, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his independent campaign for president on Friday, announcing his endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
The decision was unveiled at a rally in Arizona, where Kennedy joined Trump on stage, solidifying his support for the Republican frontrunner.
Kennedy’s endorsement comes after what he described as internal polling that showed his candidacy was hurting Trump and benefiting the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris. His decision to step aside from the race was framed as a move to align with Trump on issues such as free speech, opposition to the war in Ukraine, and what he described as “a war on our children.”
“These are the principal causes that persuaded me to leave the Democratic Party and run as an independent, and now to throw my support to President Trump,” Kennedy said to a cheering crowd in Phoenix. He emphasized that his decision wasn’t just about political strategy but about shared values between him and Trump.
While Kennedy is attempting to remove his name from the ballot in key battleground states, such as Arizona and Pennsylvania, election officials have indicated it may be too late in some states, including Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin.
The endorsement has led to speculation about Kennedy’s potential role in a future Trump administration. Kennedy hinted at the possibility of a collaboration with Trump, though he stopped short of providing details. Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy’s running mate, suggested that he could serve as the Secretary of Health and Human Services under a Trump presidency.
Trump, meanwhile, praised Kennedy’s decision, calling him “an incredible champion for so many of these values that we all share.” At the rally, Trump introduced Kennedy as a “special guest,” to which the crowd responded with chants of “Bobby!”
“I know his family is proud of him,” Trump said, referencing Kennedy’s assassinated uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and his father, Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Trump also made a pledge to establish a new independent commission to release all remaining documents related to JFK’s assassination.
The move, however, was met with backlash from Kennedy’s family, who have long been staunch Democrats. Five of his relatives issued a statement expressing disappointment, calling his decision “a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear.” His sister, Kerry Kennedy, posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying that the endorsement of Trump marks “a sad ending to a sad story.”
Kennedy acknowledged the tension his endorsement caused within his family but maintained that his decision gave him “internal peace.” His wife, actress Cheryl Hines, expressed respect for her husband’s decision without explicitly supporting his endorsement of Trump.
The endorsement could have a ripple effect on the 2024 presidential race, though it remains unclear how much Kennedy’s base will follow him to Trump. Recent polling has shown Kennedy’s supporters are more likely to have a favorable view of Trump than of Harris, though the overall impact remains uncertain.
Jen O’Malley Dillon, campaign chair for Kamala Harris, responded by appealing to Kennedy’s supporters, saying the Harris-Walz ticket offered a “new way forward” and promising to fight for their support in the months ahead.
Kennedy’s alignment with Trump adds another twist to a contentious race, setting the stage for an even more polarized contest heading into 2024.
