Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced during a news conference in Phoenix on Friday that he is suspending his campaign and endorsing Donald Trump for president.
Kennedy expressed doubts about his chances of winning the election, citing “relentless, systematic censorship and media control” as significant obstacles. He stated, “I cannot, in good conscience, ask my staff and volunteers to keep working their long hours, or ask my donors to continue contributing when I cannot honestly tell them that I have a real path to the White House.”
He emphasized that while he is withdrawing from key swing state ballots, he will still appear on ballots in most other states. “If you live in a blue state, you can vote for me without harming — or helping — President Trump or Vice President Harris. In red states, the same will apply,” Kennedy explained. He mentioned that he has initiated the removal of his name from about ten battleground states where he believes his candidacy could act as a spoiler.
Kennedy revealed that he believes he could still secure the presidency in the event of a contingent election, which would occur if neither major party candidate receives the required 270 electoral votes.
During the event, Kennedy also made an appearance at a separate gathering hosted by Trump in Phoenix. His running mate, Nicole Shanahan, praised his decision and encouraged him to “save our children” in a social media post, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to run with him.
Kennedy shared that Trump extended an offer for him to take on a role in the administration, specifically to manage a health care portfolio, during two meetings held after an assassination attempt on Trump in July.
Kennedy’s endorsement comes on the heels of a court filing in Pennsylvania regarding a ballot access challenge, where he indicated that he would withdraw from the race following his support for Trump. Despite initial claims from his campaign that he had not endorsed Trump, his position became clear during his remarks.
Responses to Kennedy’s endorsement were mixed. Some supporters expressed disappointment at his decision to suspend his campaign, while others, including Democratic National Committee advisor Mary Beth Cahill, dismissed him as a “failed fringe candidate.” Members of Kennedy’s family criticized his endorsement, stating it represents a betrayal of their family’s values.
The situation continues to evolve as Kennedy’s campaign draws to a close and the presidential race intensifies.