Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly preparing to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, with sources indicating that he may endorse former President Donald Trump. Multiple sources familiar with the situation have shared that Kennedy could make his decision public by the end of this week, potentially finalizing the move as early as Friday.
According to these sources, Kennedy's endorsement of Trump is being seriously considered, although the final decision remains fluid. When directly questioned by ABC News about the possibility of endorsing Trump, Kennedy declined to provide a definitive answer, stating, "I will not confirm or deny that." He added, "We are not talking about any of that," suggesting that discussions are still ongoing.
Kennedy's campaign has faced significant challenges in recent months, struggling to gain traction amid a crowded political landscape. His candidacy, which initially gained attention for his criticism of both major political parties, appears to have lost momentum following the Democratic National Convention. Insiders suggest that Kennedy's potential exit from the race is partly motivated by a desire to blunt the impact of the convention and refocus his political strategy.
One possible scenario being discussed involves Kennedy appearing on stage with Trump at an event in Phoenix on Friday. However, sources close to both Kennedy and Trump caution that plans remain tentative, and no final decision has been made.
Amaryllis Fox, Kennedy's campaign manager, reportedly sent an email to senior staff on Wednesday, expressing gratitude for their hard work while indicating that the campaign's future is still under consideration. "There are a couple of potential paths forward, not only two, and I can bear witness to the care and examination that Bobby has invested in the consideration of each," Fox wrote, according to a source familiar with the email.
Kennedy's spokesperson also announced that the candidate will "address the nation" live on Friday to discuss his "path forward," although no specifics were provided. This upcoming speech will mark the campaign's first public event since early July, highlighting the significance of the announcement.
Speculation about a possible alliance between Kennedy and Trump has intensified following recent comments from Trump, who expressed openness to Kennedy playing a role in a future administration. "He's a brilliant guy. He's a very smart guy. I've known him for a very long time," Trump told CNN, adding that he would be open to discussions if Kennedy were considering dropping out of the race.
Kennedy's campaign has also been hampered by financial difficulties, with recent campaign finance reports revealing that the campaign had just $3.9 million on hand while carrying nearly $3.5 million in outstanding debts. This financial strain has likely contributed to Kennedy's deliberations about his political future.
Throughout the campaign, Kennedy and Trump have had a complicated relationship, marked by both criticism and moments of apparent alignment. Kennedy, a prominent vaccine skeptic, has criticized Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his support for the development of vaccines through Operation Warp Speed. Despite this, the two have found common ground in their shared skepticism of mainstream medical and governmental institutions.
The potential exit of Kennedy from the presidential race has sparked concern among both Democrats and Republicans, who are wary of his potential impact on the election. With narrow margins expected in several key battleground states, Kennedy's decision could influence the outcome of the race.
