In a surprising political twist, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suspended his independent presidential bid and endorsed former President Donald Trump. The decision marks a significant shift in the 2024 race, as Kennedy cites free speech, the war in Ukraine, and the well-being of children as his primary motivations.
Kennedy announced his support for Trump during a press conference held in Arizona on Friday, signaling a potential boost for the former president’s campaign and a serious blow to that of Kamala Harris, as the Washington Examiner reports.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had been running an independent campaign since October after exiting the Democratic primary process. His campaign faced numerous challenges, including declining poll numbers and difficulties securing spots on state ballots. By the end of last month, the campaign’s financial resources were severely depleted, with $3.9 million in the bank and nearly $3.5 million in debt.
Kennedy's endorsement of Trump comes after a period of limited public campaigning, which had largely ceased since early July. Despite his efforts to appeal to a broad voter base, Kennedy struggled to gain traction, particularly in battleground states like Arizona and Pennsylvania, from which he plans to withdraw his name.
The independent's decision to endorse Trump was confirmed shortly before the press conference through a court filing in Pennsylvania. His announcement reflects a deep dissatisfaction with both major political parties, a sentiment he has expressed throughout his campaign.
In his endorsement, Kennedy highlighted three core issues that drove him to first run for office and ultimately to back Trump: concerns over free speech, the conflict in Ukraine, and what he described as a "war on children." These issues, Kennedy said, were central to his departure from the Democratic Party and his decision to run as an independent candidate.
Speaking to the media, Kennedy criticized the Democratic Party and specifically Vice President Kamala Harris for avoiding interviews and being unresponsive to important issues. His disillusionment with the party, coupled with ongoing concerns about the state of the nation, played a significant role in his decision.
Trump, who had been in communication with Kennedy as far back as July, welcomed the endorsement. The former president expressed enthusiasm about the potential collaboration, describing Kennedy as "a very smart guy" and expressing hope that the endorsement would help secure a win in the 2024 election.
During the press conference, Kennedy also outlined his concerns about federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He accused these agencies of being controlled by large corporations and pledged to reform them if given the opportunity.
Kennedy’s critique of these agencies is consistent with his long-standing skepticism about the relationship between government bodies and private industry. He argued that these agencies have been compromised by corporate interests, particularly within the pharmaceutical industry, and promised that with Trump’s support, he would work to overhaul them.
Despite his endorsement, Kennedy expressed doubts about joining Trump’s administration should the former president be re-elected. However, he noted that Trump’s sons and other supporters had encouraged him to consider the possibility.
The endorsement of Trump by Kennedy could have a significant impact on the 2024 presidential race. According to polling from The Wall Street Journal, half of third-party voters indicated they would switch their support to Trump if Kennedy left the race, with only a quarter opting to back Vice President Harris.
Kennedy's withdrawal from the race eliminates a potential third-party threat to the GOP, which could bolster Trump’s chances in key battleground states. The endorsement is likely to shift momentum in Trump’s favor, particularly as the general election draws closer.
