(Rightallegiance.com) – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is preparing to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse former President Donald Trump, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Although discussions are ongoing, a final decision is expected by the end of the week. The sources indicated that the campaigns are working toward a joint appearance.
This move would conclude the most significant third-party candidacy in the election. Kennedy announced on Wednesday that he would be delivering a campaign speech about “his path forward,” just days after his running mate suggested the campaign was at a crossroads—either continuing in the election or dropping out to support Trump. The event is scheduled to take place in Phoenix on Friday, coinciding with a Trump event that evening in Glendale, a Phoenix suburb.
Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy’s running mate, mentioned on Tuesday that their campaign was weighing two options: either stay in the race and risk a Harris-Walz presidency or drop out and join forces with Trump. Persuading Kennedy to endorse Trump has been an ongoing effort, spearheaded by Donald Trump Jr., former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and wealthy donor Omeed Malik. According to a source close to the situation, the three have been negotiating behind the scenes to secure Kennedy’s exit and endorsement.
In an interview on Wednesday, Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, confirmed ongoing communication between Kennedy and the Trump campaign. Vance stated, “I haven’t spoken to RFK personally, but I know there’s been a lot of communication back and forth between RFK, between the campaign, between this campaign.” He added that their pitch to Kennedy was simple: if he desires a Democratic Party that protects American workers and advocates for strong borders, that party no longer exists. However, Vance emphasized that Trump wouldn’t promise a Cabinet position in exchange for Kennedy’s endorsement.
Trump, in a CNN interview on Tuesday, mentioned he would be open to including Kennedy in his administration if elected. When asked about the possibility, Trump replied, “I probably would,” adding, “I like him a lot. I respect him a lot.”
Mary Beth Cahill, a senior adviser to the Democratic National Committee, criticized Kennedy in a statement, saying, “Desperate men do desperate things. RFK Jr. was recruited by MAGA, funded by MAGA, and parroted MAGA talking points. No one should be shocked if he formalizes his relationship in an attempt to maintain relevance.” Kennedy’s involvement in the Trump campaign gained momentum after the two met in Milwaukee last month during the Republican convention, just days after an assassination attempt on Trump.
Vance clarified that Kennedy’s potential endorsement is independent of any promise of a Cabinet position, stating, “It’s about welcoming a lot of those Democrats who feel abandoned by the party of Kamala Harris.”
Kennedy’s campaign has been relatively inactive in recent weeks, with no public events since early July, and Shanahan has been absent from the campaign trail for months. Kennedy’s public support has also waned, as indicated by recent polling.
The campaign has faced several challenges, including damaging allegations and financial troubles. In July, a Vanity Fair article revealed that Kennedy had been accused of groping a former family babysitter, which he did not explicitly deny, saying, “I am not a church boy. I am not running like that. I have said I had a very, very rambunctious youth.” Additionally, the campaign ended July with nearly $3.5 million in debt, with Shanahan, who has been funding the campaign with her own money, receiving a refund of almost $1 million in the same month.
Kennedy’s efforts to secure ballot access in all 50 states have also encountered obstacles. Recently, a judge disqualified him from the New York state ballot, ruling that the address he used on signature petitions was not his residence.