RFK Jr. Suspends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Trump in Surprising Speech
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. officially suspended his independent presidential campaign, endorsing GOP nominee Donald Trump during a press conference in Phoenix. In his speech, Kennedy explained that he no longer saw a viable path to the White House, stating, “In my heart, I no longer believe that I have a realistic path to electoral victory.” This RFK Jr. speech today marked a significant turning point, as he urged his supporters to rally behind Trump.
Kennedy cited three main issues that led him to endorse Trump: free speech, the war in Ukraine, and what he described as the “war on our children.” He expressed concern over the declining health of American children, pointing to processed foods, chemicals, and obesity as major factors. In his RFK Jr. announcement, he acknowledged the personal sacrifice this decision would bring to his family but emphasized the importance of the cause.
RFK Jr. appeared alongside Trump at a rally in Glendale, Arizona, where Trump praised Kennedy’s decision, predicting that he would have a “huge influence on this campaign.” However, the announcement was met with disapproval from other members of the Kennedy family. Kerry Kennedy, speaking on behalf of several family members, called it “a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear.”
Kennedy also addressed the complexities of suspending his campaign, stating that he would remain on the ballot in many noncompetitive states while removing his name from key battleground states. He left open the possibility of a contingent election scenario, where he could still end up in the White House if no candidate secured 270 electoral votes.
In his remarks, Trump vowed to establish a commission on assassination attempts, including releasing all documents related to JFK’s assassination, and to investigate chronic health problems affecting children. He urged Kennedy’s supporters to join the campaign in defense of “liberty, safety, prosperity, and peace.”
Before this RFK Jr. press conference, Kennedy had been seeking ballot access in several states, including Arizona. However, his recent filings to withdraw from certain states foreshadowed his decision. Despite suspending his campaign, Kennedy remains on the ballot in over 23 states, with Michigan confirming that his name will stay on the ballot there.
Kennedy’s campaign journey has been tumultuous, starting as a Democratic challenger to President Biden before switching to an independent bid. Throughout his campaign, he criticized the Democratic Party for becoming, in his view, “the party of war, censorship, corruption, big pharma, big tech, big ag, and big money.”
Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign quickly responded, with campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon appealing to Kennedy’s supporters, positioning Harris as a unifying leader committed to fighting for all Americans.
RFK Jr.’s announcement has added another twist to an already unpredictable election season, with his endorsement of Trump likely to stir further debate and discussion.