Trump received a huge endorsement.
On Friday afternoon, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump, officially ending his contentious independent presidential campaign. Kennedy’s endorsement was first revealed through a court filing in Pennsylvania, followed by his speech in Arizona, where Trump was also scheduled to appear later in Glendale. This endorsement follows weeks of discussions and planning.
Kennedy, known for his work as an environmental lawyer and his stance as an anti-vaccine advocate, used his speech to criticize the Democratic Party, accusing it of abandoning democratic principles and failing to support his campaign. He also denounced the media and Democrats for undermining his efforts and framed his exit from the race as a response to his lack of a viable path to victory.
Kennedy’s speech highlighted his grievances with both the Democratic and Republican parties. He criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her performance in the 2020 race and compared the Biden-Harris administration’s control of the Democratic Party to autocratic regimes. He contrasted this with his support for Trump, whom he sees as a victim of ongoing legal battles and a champion of causes he values, such as free speech and opposition to certain policies.
The endorsement has been met with mixed reactions, including criticism from other members of the Kennedy family. The Democratic National Committee’s Mary Beth Cahill dismissed the endorsement as a non-factor that reflects poorly on Trump. Meanwhile, discussions leading up to the endorsement involved various figures, including Donald Trump Jr. and donor Omeed Malik, who facilitated the deal. Kennedy may have a role on the campaign trail moving forward, though no formal Cabinet position has been promised as part of the endorsement.
Kennedy’s announcement reflects a strategic alignment with Trump on key issues and suggests potential future involvement in a Trump administration. Malik indicated that while no specific promises were made, Kennedy might be offered a significant role in areas related to health policy if Trump succeeds in the election.
