Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent candidate for President, suspended his campaign on Friday and endorsed former President Donald Trump. The announcement was made at a joint rally in Glendale, Arizona, shortly after Kennedy’s campaign was officially halted.
Kennedy, who shifted from running as a Democrat to an independent, cited his concerns about the country’s future as the primary reason for his decision. Trump expressed respect for Kennedy’s choice, stating that both Kennedy’s late father, Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, would be proud of his decision. Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for allegedly lacking a substantive policy plan, attributing this to her focus on attacking Trump.
In their joint appearance, Trump and Kennedy focused on their shared values, despite their differing political histories. Trump, who has survived an assassination attempt, vowed to release all classified documents related to JFK’s assassination and to create an independent commission to investigate the case further. He also promised to address issues such as safe food and chronic disease, with Kennedy pledging to support Trump’s efforts.
Kennedy, known for his environmental advocacy and opposition to vaccine mandates, highlighted his commitment to protecting American freedoms, ensuring a safe environment for children, and addressing public health concerns. He announced plans to withdraw from campaigning in swing states to support Trump, while remaining active in states with more predictable outcomes.
Trump acknowledged Kennedy’s strong poll performance but criticized the two-party system for limiting his candidacy. He urged Kennedy’s supporters to join his coalition, emphasizing a focus on liberty, safety, and prosperity.
Kennedy’s endorsement was met with criticism from five members of the Kennedy family, who described it as a betrayal of the family’s core values and reaffirmed their support for Harris. Kennedy acknowledged the personal difficulty of his decision, particularly its impact on his family and friends.
Harris’ campaign responded by urging Kennedy’s supporters to consider the Democratic ticket and appealing to voters dissatisfied with Trump.