Independent US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seeking an agreement with Donald Trump, where he would endorse the Republican contender in return for a role in a prospective Trump administration, according to a super PAC backing Kennedy. Kennedy's campaign announced on Wednesday that he will deliver a national address on Friday in Arizona, focusing on "the current historical juncture and his future course." Kennedy is considering withdrawing from the race and supporting Trump, contingent upon the Republican providing Kennedy and others a position in the White House if elected, revealed Larry Sharpe, outreach director for American Values 2024. Trump expressed openness to including Kennedy in his administration if the independent candidate endorses him and exits the race, as reported by CNN. Kennedy also seeks to maintain his political movement, potentially by remaining on the ballot in certain states, according to Sharpe. ABC News, citing unnamed sources, reported earlier on Wednesday that Kennedy intends to withdraw from the race by the end of the week and endorse Trump. Super PACs, which can collect unlimited funds for candidates but cannot directly coordinate with campaigns, have raised over $50 million for Kennedy, as per Federal Election Commission filings up to June 30. The Kennedy campaign has not provided any comments. Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy's running mate, mentioned in an interview with Los Angeles media company Impact Theory that Kennedy is contemplating ending his campaign to unite with Trump. Trump has previously expressed interest in Kennedy's support, as evidenced by a leaked phone call in July. Shanahan noted in the released interview that Trump has shown interest in their healthcare policies, making a "unity party" worth considering. Kennedy, aged 70, the son of the late Democratic politician Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, initially launched his presidential campaign as a Democrat, challenging President Joe Biden for the nomination. An advocate for environmental issues who has disseminated misinformation about vaccines, Kennedy has not yet secured a place on the ballot in numerous states. His support has declined to four percent in the latest Ipsos poll, down from ten percent the previous month.
Text: Lara Palmer
22.08.2024
Kennedy's potential withdrawal and endorsement hinges on securing positions in a Trump White House