RFK Jr. likely to exit race by week’s end, plans to endorse Trump: Sources

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to withdraw from the presidential race by the end of this week, according to sources close to the situation. The decision is part of a broader strategy that could involve endorsing former President Donald Trump.

When approached by ABC News about the potential endorsement, Kennedy responded cautiously, stating, “I will not confirm or deny that.” He added, “We are not talking about any of that,” indicating a desire to keep details under wraps for the moment.

Sources informed ABC News that while Kennedy’s decision to exit the race appears imminent, it is not yet finalized and could potentially change. One insider suggested that Kennedy aims to conclude the process swiftly to diminish any momentum the Democratic National Convention might generate.

There is speculation that Kennedy may appear alongside Trump during an event scheduled for Friday in Phoenix, but sources emphasize that plans are still tentative and could evolve further before then. Trump’s team has reportedly not confirmed any arrangements for that event.

Amaryllis Fox, Kennedy’s campaign manager, communicated with senior staff via email on Wednesday morning, expressing gratitude for their dedication. However, she indicated that a final decision on the campaign’s future plans had yet to be determined, as mentioned by a source familiar with the communication.

Fox wrote about the various options being explored and noted that there are several potential paths moving forward. She indicated that Kennedy is carefully weighing his choices and is taking time to consider each one thoroughly.

A spokesperson for Kennedy announced that he is set to “address the nation” live on Friday to reveal his “path forward,” although no specific details were provided about this upcoming statement.

As tensions rise over the Democratic nomination, Kennedy voiced his discontent regarding the process, particularly concerning the treatment of Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee. He characterized her ascension to the nomination as a “coronation,” asserting that it lacked genuine democratic engagement. “Nobody voted. Who chose Kamala? It wasn’t voters,” he stated.

Highlighting his frustrations with the Democratic Party, Kennedy expressed disbelief at how quickly Harris’s reputation shifted from being a significant liability to a celebrated candidate without any interviews or debates. “She went in four weeks from being the worst liability for the Democratic Party to the second coming of Christ without giving one interview, without showing up for a debate, without a single policy that anyone thinks isn’t ridiculous,” he lamented, arguing that this is not a true representation of democracy.

The political landscape continues to shift as Kennedy navigates his next steps. With the Democratic National Convention on the horizon, his potential endorsement of Trump and subsequent campaign strategies will be closely watched by both supporters and critics.

While Kennedy’s moves could have ramifications on the upcoming elections, many questions remain about how this will influence his supporters and the broader political conversation. As developments unfold, the public awaits more clarity on Kennedy’s intentions and the implications for the 2024 presidential race.