Title: Consultant Ties to Capitol Attack Raise Questions About RFK Campaign’s Integrity
Introduction:
The involvement of a consultant, who received nearly $10 million from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign, in the mob that breached restricted areas of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, raises concerns about the campaign’s integrity. This narrative explores the evidence linking the consultant to the Capitol attack and delves into the implications for Kennedy’s campaign and its association with right-wing figures.
Trent Pool’s Role in the Capitol Attack:
Trent Pool, the consultant in question, operated a consultancy firm that worked to secure Kennedy’s place on the ballot in multiple states. Photos and videos from January 6 show a man resembling Pool wearing a Southern Methodist University (SMU) beanie, repeatedly appearing in restricted areas near the Capitol. He can be seen carrying a barricade and waving a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag. Despite Pool’s lawyer denying his involvement, the evidence suggests otherwise.
The Connection to Kennedy’s Campaign:
During Kennedy’s active campaign, his campaign and an affiliated super PAC paid Pool’s firm a substantial sum of $9,367,343, according to federal filings. Although Kennedy suspended his campaign, Pool’s efforts may still have an impact on the presidential race. Kennedy has sued to be removed from ballots in swing states, potentially benefiting Donald Trump.
Questionable Associations:
Pool is part of a group of Kennedy campaign consultants and staffers with ties to right-wing figures. One of Kennedy’s social media influencers, Zach Henry, was also present on restricted Capitol grounds on January 6. This raises concerns about the campaign’s alignment with right-wing ideologies.
The “We Got Trent” Video:
In a video reviewed by The Intercept, the man resembling Pool can be seen on the southwest staircase of the Capitol, waving a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag. A person behind the camera identifies him as Trent, and another man in the frame exclaims, “We are taking the Capitol back!” This incident occurred on restricted ground, as confirmed by court records.
Pool’s Actions During the Attack:
Photographs show Pool and another man carrying a bike rack barricade toward the staircase wall. They later peer over the edge of the wall. A live-feed video captures Pool standing among a crowd that passes a barricade back. These actions further implicate Pool in the events of January 6.
Kennedy’s Response:
Kennedy and his campaign have expressed skepticism about the severity of the Capitol attack and the motivations behind the prosecutions. This raises questions about their stance on the rule of law and the integrity of the democratic process.
Pool’s Background and Controversies:
Trent Pool, recently arrested for violating a restraining order, comes from a politically connected family. His grandfather was a former Democratic Texas Representative, and his father is a Texas district judge. Pool’s work as a consultant extends beyond Kennedy’s campaign, having worked for various third parties and candidates, including Nikki Haley.
Conclusion:
The evidence linking Trent Pool, the consultant paid millions by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign, to the Capitol attack raises significant concerns about the campaign’s integrity and associations with right-wing figures. Kennedy’s skepticism about the attack and his campaign’s involvement in removing his name from swing state ballots further adds to the controversy. The implications of these revelations extend beyond the campaign, calling into question the commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
