Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a surprising announcement at a news conference in Phoenix on Friday. Kennedy revealed that he is suspending his campaign and endorsing President Trump. He expressed his belief that he no longer has a realistic chance of winning the election due to what he described as “relentless, systematic censorship and media control.” Kennedy stated that he cannot, in good conscience, ask his staff, volunteers, and donors to continue supporting him when he cannot see a clear path to the White House.
Kennedy emphasized that three main causes motivated him to enter the race as an independent candidate and ultimately led him to leave the Democratic Party. These causes have now led him to throw his support behind President Trump. Although he declared that he is not ending his campaign entirely, he announced his decision to withdraw his name from appearing on ballots in swing states. Kennedy clarified that his name will still appear on the ballot in most states, and voters in blue and red states can vote for him without significantly impacting the presidential race. However, in approximately 10 battleground states where his presence could potentially spoil the outcome, he is actively working to remove his name from the ballot and urging voters not to vote for him.
Kennedy also mentioned the possibility of a contingent election, which would occur if neither of the major party candidates received the necessary 270 electoral votes to secure the presidency. He expressed his belief that he could still end up in the White House in such a scenario.
Following Kennedy’s announcement, his running mate Nicole Shanahan praised him in a social media post and urged him to “save our children.” Shanahan thanked Kennedy for running and described being a part of his campaign as one of her greatest honors. She acknowledged the challenges he faced, including censorship, false information about his character, and even threats against his life.
Kennedy revealed that President Trump had offered him a role in his administration, specifically overseeing a health care portfolio. He stated that the offer was made during two meetings with Trump, the first shortly after the assassination attempt on the former president in July, and the second a few weeks later. Kennedy highlighted that Trump had proposed a unity party, drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln’s team of rivals. This arrangement would allow them to openly and privately disagree on certain issues while working together on matters they agreed upon.
Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump became evident through a court filing in Pennsylvania. The filing stated that he was withdrawing from a ballot access challenge in the state “as a result of today’s endorsement” of former President Trump. Earlier in the day, Kennedy’s campaign had denied endorsing Trump, and the attorney who filed the challenge, Paul Rossi, admitted to “misstating” the candidate’s plans and subsequently filed an amended notice.
Kennedy’s announcement coincides with President Trump’s rally in Arizona, where his campaign has teased the appearance of a “special guest.” Overall, Kennedy’s decision to suspend his campaign and endorse Trump has sent shockwaves throughout the political landscape, raising questions about the impact it may have on the presidential race and the future of independent candidates in American politics.
