In a surprising twist, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called on his supporters to vote for Donald Trump in every state, even those in which he mounted a strong campaign of his own.
The former independent presidential candidate reversed his previous guidance, now encouraging his base to back Trump as a means to fulfill the goals of his campaign, as Just the News reports.
RFK, Jr., who previously ran for president as an independent, has shocked political observers by urging his supporters across the country to cast their ballots for Trump. This marks a significant change from his earlier position, which allowed supporters in non-competitive states to still vote for him.
In a fundraising email sent Thursday, Kennedy issued a direct plea, urging his followers to back Trump, regardless of where they live. "No matter what state you live in, I urge you to vote for Donald Trump," Kennedy wrote. He explained his rationale, stating that this was "the only way we can get me and everything I stand for into Washington D.C."
Kennedy had initially planned to remove his name from the ballot in just 10 key swing states. This decision was originally framed as a strategic move, aimed at preventing his candidacy from splitting the vote in battleground regions. The goal was to avoid hindering Trump’s path to the White House by siphoning votes from Republican-leaning constituencies in competitive races.
However, Kennedy has since expanded this plan. His latest decision includes removing his name from the ballot in several more states, including deep-red areas such as South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. This expansion signals an even deeper commitment to the strategy of consolidating support for Trump across the nation.
These traditionally Republican states are not typically seen as battlegrounds in presidential races, but Kennedy’s withdrawal from their ballots suggests an effort to further eliminate the possibility of divided votes that could hurt Trump’s campaign.
Before this shift, Kennedy had maintained a nuanced position. He had suggested that his supporters in key battleground states could cast their ballots for Trump while leaving room for voters in uncompetitive regions to continue supporting him. This approach allowed him to maintain a presence in the race without directly impacting the larger dynamics between Trump and the Democratic nominee.
The new message, however, eliminates this ambiguity. Kennedy now asks his base to support Trump outright in every state, signaling a complete alignment with Trump’s candidacy in the final stretch of the election cycle.
His decision reflects a clear pivot in his political calculations, driven by a desire to influence the national outcome in a way that aligns with his broader policy goals. Kennedy emphasized that the move is not about abandoning his own campaign, but rather ensuring that his political vision is represented in Washington through Trump's potential presidency.
Kennedy's Thursday fundraising email emphasized this newfound urgency. By urging his supporters to rally behind Trump, Kennedy linked his vision to that of Trump’s campaign, arguing that the Republican candidate represents the best vehicle for advancing the issues his own campaign championed.
"The reason is that is the only way we can get me and everything I stand for into Washington D.C.," Kennedy wrote, making it clear that his endorsement of Trump is based on shared objectives. His supporters, particularly those who resonated with his anti-establishment rhetoric, are now being directed to place their hopes for change in Trump's hands.
This call to action was designed to mobilize Kennedy’s base, ensuring that their political energy is redirected toward Trump’s candidacy. It represents a final step in Kennedy’s transformation from an independent contender to a vocal Trump supporter.