Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ended his campaign on Friday and endorsed Republican candidate Donald Trump. Kennedy, who began his campaign as a Democrat, made the announcement in a press conference before joining Trump at a campaign event in Arizona, where he received enthusiastic support from the crowd.
Trump praised Kennedy for raising important issues and expressed admiration for his candidacy. However, strategists are unsure whether Kennedy’s endorsement will significantly impact Trump’s tight race against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the November 5 election.
Kennedy, 70, explained that he and Trump aligned on several key issues, including border security, free speech, and ending wars, though they still had significant disagreements. He reiterated these points during his appearance with Trump at the Arizona rally and emphasized his focus on combating chronic illness and environmental issues.
Kennedy announced he would withdraw his name from ballots in 10 key battleground states but would remain a candidate in others. His decision to endorse Trump drew criticism from his family, with his sister Kerry Kennedy expressing disappointment.
Kennedy’s support had been dwindling, with a recent poll showing his national support at just 4%. Despite this, Trump’s pollster believes Kennedy’s endorsement could benefit Trump, particularly in battleground states. In exchange for his endorsement, Kennedy was reportedly hoping for a position in a potential Trump administration.
Kennedy’s campaign was marked by controversy, including claims of past personal scandals and health issues, which drew significant public scrutiny.
