Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to conclude his independent presidential campaign and endorse former President Donald Trump, based on information from two sources acquainted with the situation. The sources indicated that discussions are ongoing, and more details will be available by the end of the week. One source mentioned that the campaigns are coordinating a potential joint appearance.
This decision marks the end of Kennedy’s high-profile third-party candidacy. He announced on Wednesday that he would deliver a campaign speech outlining “his path forward,” shortly after his running mate hinted at a critical choice between continuing the campaign or supporting Trump.
Kennedy’s campaign has scheduled the speech for Phoenix on Friday, coinciding with an event hosted by Trump later that night in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix.
Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy’s running mate, mentioned earlier this week that their ticket is considering two strategies—continuing the campaign and risking a possible Harris-Walz presidency or discontinuing their bid to unite with Trump.
Efforts to persuade Kennedy to endorse Trump have involved Trump’s eldest son, Donald Jr., former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and wealthy donor Omeed Malik. This trio has been engaging in discussions with both Kennedy and his campaign to facilitate his exit and endorsement.
Senator JD Vance of Ohio, Trump’s running mate, noted that there has been frequent communication between Kennedy and his campaign. Vance emphasized that the argument to Kennedy is centered around the transformation of the Democratic Party, suggesting that it no longer stands for workers or strong borders.
Vance also stated that Trump has not promised a Cabinet position in exchange for Kennedy’s endorsement. However, Trump expressed in a CNN interview his openness to including Kennedy in his administration if elected, stating, “I probably would.”
Mary Beth Cahill, a senior adviser with the Democratic National Committee, criticized Kennedy, claiming he has been aligned with MAGA and funded by MAGA, implying that his potential endorsement should not be surprising.
Kennedy and Trump interacted at the Republican convention in Milwaukee last month, just days following an assassination attempt on Trump.
Kennedy’s campaign activities have diminished recently, with no public events since early July, and Shanahan has not been seen in months. Additionally, Kennedy’s polling numbers have declined.
The campaign has also faced several damaging allegations, including inappropriate behavior towards a former family babysitter and sensational claims regarding an incident involving a bear carcass in Central Park.
In addressing these allegations, Kennedy refrained from a full denial, mentioning his tumultuous past but stating he would not comment specifically on the allegations.
Financially, Kennedy’s campaign struggles are apparent, having ended July with nearly $3.5 million in debt, and Shanahan received a refund of almost $1 million after investing heavily in the campaign.
Moreover, Kennedy’s efforts for ballot access nationwide have encountered setbacks, including a recent disqualification in New York state after a judge ruled his residence cited on petition signatures was incorrect.