Kennedy's Path Forward
Reports suggest Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may drop his independent presidential candidate to support Donald Trump, signalling a dramatic change in his political approach. This choice coincides with rumours that Kennedy and his running companion, JD Vance, are contemplating combining their efforts with Trump’s Republican ticket. Kennedy would, therefore, oppose Democratic nominees Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Upcoming Address and Trump Rally
Kennedy scheduled Friday from Phoenix, Arizona, to “address the nation.” This declaration comes after his most recent withdrawal from the state candidature call-off. The same day, Trump is supposed to host a rally in Glendale, a neighbouring city. Trump’s campaign has indicated that the event would include a “special guest,” and Trump personally told Fox News that he thought a meeting between him and Kennedy was “feasible.”
Speculation and Endorsement
Kennedy is said to have endorsed Trump in his Friday speech. According to sources, Kennedy is “considering ending his presidential candidature.” This conjecture acquired impetus after remarks made by Kennedy’s running partner, Nicole Shanahan, suggesting a possible alliance with Trump. Kennedy said in an X/Twitter statement that he is ready to interact with leaders of any political party to forward the objectives he has supported during his career. “As always, I am ready to discuss with leaders of any political party to further the goals I have served for 40 years in my career and this campaign,” Kennedy stated.
Trump's Reaction
Trump has shown openness about Kennedy joining his campaign. In a CNN interview, Trump said, “If he is considering leaving, absolutely I would be open to it. He is a really smart man. He’s a rather intelligent man.” JD Vance also offered his opinions on the likelihood, saying it would be “good” if Kennedy chose to work with Trump and resign. Vance noted on Fox & Friends that he has not personally mentioned this possible relocation with Kennedy.
Donald Trump Jr.'s Support
Donald Trump Jr. strongly endorses Kennedy’s joining a potential Trump administration. Speaking with conservative radio personality Glenn Beck, Trump Jr. remarked, “I love the idea of giving him some sort of role in some sort of major three-letter entity or whatever it may be and let him blow it out.” This comment captures the larger excitement within the Trump team about including Kennedy in their political agenda.
Kennedy's Campaign Struggles
Kennedy, 70, has had several obstacles during his campaign, from legal disputes over ballot access to trouble finding sufficient money. Kennedy reportedly has offered to support Trump in return for a post in his government. A leaked phone call from July exposed Trump’s desperation for Kennedy to “do something” to assist his campaign, revealing continuous debates about possible cooperation.
Shanahan's Comments and Options
Recent comments on the Impact Theory podcast by Nicole Shanahan have stoked more rumours regarding Kennedy’s future. She listed two main choices for Kennedy to handle the “risk” of a Harris presidency: either he could drop out of the race and support Trump or keep running, trying to create a third party. Adding to the complexity Kennedy faced, Shanahan said the Democrats have “planted insiders,” “manipulated polls,” and “sued us in every possible state.”
“There’s two options that we’re looking at; one is staying in, forming that new party, but we run the risk of a Kamala Harris and Tim Walz presidency since we draw votes from Trump, or we draw somehow more votes from Trump,” Shanahan, 38, said. “Or we walk away right now and join forces with Donald Trump and, you know, we walk away from that and we explain to our basis why we’re making this decision.” She said the choice was “not easy” but underlined her inclination for Trump over Harris about the direction the nation will go.
Harris Campaign's Response
Jen O’Malley Dillon, the Harris campaign chairperson, answered the possible Kennedy support with assurance. “We are quite confident that [Harris] is going to win whether she is running against one candidate or several,” Dillon told Politico. It only affects the race a little. Her remarks imply that the Harris team stays concentrated on their electoral plan and is not bothered by Kennedy’s backing of Trump.
