Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the once-prominent independent presidential candidate, is now facing intense backlash and speculation as rumors circulate that he may be preparing to drop out of the 2024 presidential race and endorse former President Donald Trump. The move, if confirmed, would represent a dramatic shift in the political landscape and has already sparked a fierce reaction online, with critics labeling Kennedy as a "disgrace" to his family's storied legacy.
The speculation intensified on Wednesday, August 21, when Kennedy's press secretary announced that the candidate would address the nation on Friday to discuss "the present historic moment and his path forward." This announcement has fueled rumors that Kennedy may be on the verge of exiting the race to support Trump, a scenario that many see as a betrayal of the values that the Kennedy family has long stood for.
One of the key sources of these rumors is Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy's running mate, who hinted in a recent interview that their campaign was weighing the possibility of joining forces with Trump. "There's two options that we're looking at," Shanahan said. "One is staying in, forming that new party; but we run the risk of a Kamala Harris and Walz presidency because we draw votes from Trump. Or we walk away right now and join forces with Donald Trump."
This suggestion has not sat well with many of Kennedy's supporters and political observers. Social media platforms were quickly flooded with angry reactions, with many calling Kennedy a "disgrace" to the Kennedy name. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote, "RFK Jr. is a disgrace to the Kennedy name. Shame on him and his brain-eating worm," while another echoed the sentiment, saying, "RFK Jr. is a disgrace to his father's memory. He's no better than any other radical MAGA politician."
The backlash did not stop there. Some users even suggested that Kennedy might have been "bought" by the Trump campaign, speculating that he had been offered a position in a potential Trump administration in exchange for his endorsement. "Looks like RFK Jr. may be dropping out, I'm guessing Trump bribed him with a cabinet position and he will endorse the Orange Turd," one user wrote.
Despite the swirling rumors, Kennedy's daughter-in-law and campaign manager, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, urged patience, asking supporters to wait for an official announcement from Kennedy himself. In an email to staffers, she wrote, "For the last 19 months, this team - this family - has worked seven days a week, ten-plus hours a day, in blizzards and blazing heat, sacrificing family time, personal commitments, and any hope of sleep, in service to our shared vision for this country. Never, in all these months, has Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sidestepped his movement to communicate his heart through back-channel leaks."
Meanwhile, sources close to the Kennedy campaign indicated that a formal announcement might be made in Arizona, a state known for its significant population of independent voters. Arizona could prove a critical location for such an announcement, as it has been a battleground for independent candidates in the past. Kennedy's decision to speak from Phoenix on Friday has only added fuel to the fire, with many wondering if this will be the moment he officially backs Trump.
If Kennedy does choose to endorse Trump, it could have significant implications for the 2024 election. Independent voters, particularly in states like Arizona, where they make up a substantial portion of the electorate, could play a decisive role in the outcome of the race. Kennedy's departure from the race could consolidate support behind Trump, potentially giving him an edge in key swing states.
Trump, for his part, has hinted that he would be open to giving Kennedy a role in his administration if he decides to drop out and endorse him. "He's a brilliant guy. He's a very smart guy. I've known him for a very long time," Trump said in a recent interview with CNN. "I didn't know he was thinking about getting out, but if he is thinking about getting out, certainly I'd be open to it."
Kennedy, a lawyer and well-known anti-vaccine activist, launched his campaign as a Democrat in April 2023, emphasizing "clean government" as his top priority. However, he later switched to running as an independent after it became clear that his chances of winning the Democratic nomination were slim. Since then, his campaign has struggled to gain traction, with recent polls showing him trailing far behind the leading candidates.
