Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly set to end his independent presidential campaign and endorse former President Donald Trump, as revealed by two sources close to the situation. Discussions are currently in progress, with expectations of an announcement by the end of the week. One source noted that both campaigns are coordinating for a potential joint appearance.
This decision would mark the conclusion of a significant third-party candidacy in the 2024 election. Kennedy is scheduled to address his future plans in a campaign speech in Phoenix on Friday, following remarks made by his running mate about the possibility of supporting Trump versus continuing in the race.
Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy’s running mate, indicated that their campaign is evaluating two paths: one leading to staying in the race despite concerns over a possible Harris-Walz presidency, and the other aligning with Trump.
Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, mentioned in an interview that there has been substantial communication between Kennedy and the Trump campaign. He stated that they are encouraging Kennedy to support Trump, emphasizing the need for a Democratic Party that prioritizes American workers and strong borders, which he believes is no longer present.
Both Vance and Trump have indicated that there would be no promises of a Cabinet position in exchange for Kennedy’s endorsement. However, Trump expressed openness to the possibility of incorporating Kennedy into his administration if he wins the election, stating, “I probably would.”
Mary Beth Cahill, a senior adviser for the Democratic National Committee, criticized Kennedy, suggesting that he has aligned himself with Trump’s agenda to maintain his relevance in the political landscape.
Recently, Kennedy’s visibility on the campaign trail has diminished, with no campaign-related public events since early July. His public polling numbers have also declined amidst various controversies, including allegations against him and personal financial struggles for the campaign.
The campaign reportedly ended July with approximately $3.5 million in debt. Additionally, Kennedy faced a setback in his efforts for ballot access when a New York judge ruled that he could not use his home address for signature petitions, leading to disqualification from the ballot in that state.