Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Halts Presidential Run to Support Trump

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Friday that he is suspending his campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee. This decision comes just one day after Vice President Kamala Harris accepted her party’s nomination at the Democratic National Convention.

During a news conference in Phoenix, Arizona, Kennedy expressed a sense of achievement, stating, “It’s with a sense of victory and not defeat that I’m suspending my campaign activities.” He emphasized the significance of his campaign, noting the collection of over a million signatures, which he believes altered the political discourse in the nation. “Thank you for a job well done,” he remarked to his supporters.

Kennedy, who previously indicated a potential withdrawal, confirmed that he would not fully terminate his campaign and intends to keep his name on the ballot in most states. However, he plans to remove his name from approximately ten swing states where he feels he could act as a spoiler without specifying which states would be affected.

In response to Kennedy’s endorsement, Donald Trump expressed gratitude during an event in Las Vegas, calling Kennedy a “great guy” who is widely respected. Kennedy’s backing of Trump has drawn criticism from allies of Kamala Harris, with Arizona Democratic Party Chairwoman Yolanda Bejarano accusing him of aligning with right-wing agendas. “The same extreme vision of banning abortion nationwide is now shared by both candidates,” she stated.

Sena Mohammed, Executive Director of Our Voice, Our Vote Arizona, suggested that Kennedy’s campaign was a strategy to benefit Trump, especially given the enthusiasm generated by Harris’s campaign. She highlighted the empowerment of marginalized groups and asserted the importance of this election in shaping America’s future.

Leading up to his announcement, speculation grew regarding Kennedy’s likelihood of withdrawing his candidacy. On Thursday, he filed paperwork to withdraw from Arizona’s ballot, according to Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. Kennedy’s campaign has been marked by declining polls and financial issues, compounded by the challenges of running as an independent candidate after initially entering the race as a Democrat in October 2023.

Kennedy’s family legacy in Democratic politics is significant, being the son of Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of John F. Kennedy. Throughout his campaign, he has been associated with anti-vaccine rhetoric, leading many to view him as a potential spoiler in the election.

In a statement regarding Kennedy’s decision, Harris-Walz campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon emphasized that their campaign represents a fresh opportunity for Americans seeking an alternative to Trump. “We need a leader who will fight for you, not just for themselves,” she said, underscoring Vice President Harris’s commitment to uniting the country.

Meanwhile, Trump is expected to speak in Glendale later on Friday, with his campaign indicating that a “special guest” will join him at the rally.