RFK Jr. Ends Presidential Campaign, Backs GOP Nominee Donald Trump

On August 23, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that he is suspending his campaign and will remove his name from the ballot in key battleground states. This decision comes alongside his endorsement of Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Later that day, Kennedy joined Trump on stage at a rally in Glendale, Arizona, marking a significant shift in his political alignment. During a press conference in Phoenix, he clarified, “I am not terminating my campaign — I am simply suspending it and not ending it. My name will remain on the ballot in most states.”

Although Kennedy plans to keep his name on the ballot in various states, he is in the process of withdrawing it from states that are considered crucial for Trump’s path to victory. He emphasized that his endorsement of Trump over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris stems from motivations that compelled him to leave the Democratic Party in the first place.

“Three great causes drove me to enter this race initially, and these are the principal causes that persuaded me to leave the Democratic Party and run as an independent,” Kennedy stated.

His conversation about potential roles in a Trump administration indicates a new direction for his political ambitions. Kennedy previously tried to engage with both Trump and Harris campaigns, but on August 15, he confirmed he had no intention of endorsing Harris after seeking a meeting with her campaign.

During his remarks, Kennedy remarked that Trump has invited him to be involved in a potential second administration. He referred to discussions of collaborating as a “unity party,” highlighting a desire to work together on significant issues while allowing for disagreements on others.

As Kennedy takes steps to formally withdraw from the November election, he intends to file paperwork in Arizona. He made these announcements just ahead of Trump’s rally, where Trump is motivated to regain momentum against Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Recent polling has shown Harris and Walz expanding their influence in competitive states.

Looking to the potential future, Trump mentioned that he would like Kennedy to contribute to a panel aimed at investigating a growing array of chronic health problems, such as autoimmune disorders and infertility.

Kennedy, known for his controversial views on vaccines, has publicly questioned the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, including those for COVID-19. Trump, who promoted vaccine development during his presidency, characterized the vaccine initiative as a “great achievement.”

Despite their differing views on vaccines, Kennedy commended Trump for addressing issues surrounding the chronic disease epidemic, appealing to the crowd by asking, “Don’t you want a president that’s going to make America healthy again?”

The rally took place at Desert Diamond Arena, the same venue where Harris and Walz gathered crowds two weeks earlier. The arena, with a capacity of 17,000, was once again filled with attendees supporting Trump and Kennedy.

Kennedy’s familial ties to prominent Democratic leadership are strained as his relatives publicly criticized his endorsement of Trump. His sister Kerry Kennedy and four other siblings expressed their disappointment, labeling his decision a “betrayal” of their family legacy.

In a statement, they insisted on a vision for an America that thrives on hope, freedom, and economic prosperity, stating, “Our brother Bobby’s decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values our father and our family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story.”

Kennedy’s political journey has taken him far from the Democratic Party, which holds deep roots in his family’s history, including that of his father, Robert F. Kennedy, and uncle, President John F. Kennedy. Having left the Democratic Party in October after initially declaring his presidential candidacy in April, his shifts have significant ramifications.

In response, the Harris-Walz campaign reached out to Kennedy’s supporters, encouraging them to reconsider their allegiance. Campaign Chair Jen O’Malley Dillon stated, “For any American out there who is tired of Donald Trump and looking for a new way forward, ours is a campaign for you.” She emphasized the importance of unity for those seeking change and avenues for progress, urging voters to support Harris.

Dillon stressed that respect for rights and public safety are unifying ideals, stating, “Even if we do not agree on every issue, Kamala Harris knows there is more that unites us than divides us: respect for our rights, public safety, protecting our freedoms, and opportunity for all.”