PHOENIX, Arizona- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Friday that he was suspending his independent presidential campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump for the 2024 election. Speaking at a packed press conference in Phoenix, Kennedy cited dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party and his promise not to be a spoiler as key factors in his decision.
“These are the principal causes that persuaded me to leave the Democratic Party and run as an independent, and now to throw my support to President Trump,” Kennedy stated. He emphasized that, although he is withdrawing his candidacy vin ten swing states, his name will remain on the ballot in several states, allowing his supporters to continue backing him where their votes are unlikely to sway the outcome.
Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump has led to tensions within his family. Five of his siblings released a statement calling the endorsement “a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear.” Kennedy acknowledged these challenges, stating, “This decision is agonizing for me because of the difficulties it causes my wife and my children and my friends.”
On social media, Kennedy acknowledged the personal challenges his recent political decisions have created, particularly for his wife, Cheryl Hines.
He noted that his endorsement of Trump had made her “very uncomfortable.” Despite this discomfort, Kennedy expressed deep gratitude for her unconditional support. He extended this sentiment to the broader national context, writing, “I wish this also for the country — love and unity even in the face of disagreement. We will need that in coming times.”
Hines shared a message following her husband’s decision to suspend his presidential campaign. She expressed deep gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly on his campaign, acknowledging their extraordinary achievements despite significant challenges. “They have accomplished feats that were said to be impossible,” Hines said, highlighting the collection of over 1 million signatures and securing ballot access across the country. She emphasized the obstacles they overcame, including roadblocks and lawsuits to keep Kennedy off the ballots.
Hines also reflected on the unity principle that guided Kennedy’s campaign, expressing her respect for his decision to run on this platform. “Over the last year and a half, I have met some extraordinary people from all parties — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents,” she said. Her experience during the campaign revealed to her that “the vast majority of all parties are truly good people who want the best for our country and for each other.” She described the journey as “eye-opening, transformative, and endearing,” underscoring the positive impact of their campaign despite its suspension.
Following the press conference, Trump, who was campaigning in Las Vegas, expressed his appreciation for Kennedy’s endorsement, calling it a “great honor.”
Later that evening, Kennedy joined former Trump on stage during a rally in Phoenix.
Kennedy, known for advocating health-related issues, emphasized the importance of addressing chronic health problems in America. Speaking to the crowd, Kennedy introduced his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, which focuses on tackling the rising rates of chronic conditions such as autoimmune disorders, autism, obesity, and infertility.
“We need to get to the root of these issues and create a healthier future for our children and our nation,” Kennedy said. He reiterated his commitment to working alongside Trump to establish a presidential commission dedicated to investigating these health challenges.
Trump praised Kennedy for his dedication to public health, stating, “Bobby has raised critical issues that have been too long ignored in this country.” The former president also reiterated his pledge to establish an independent presidential commission on assassination attempts, promising to release all remaining documents related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
The rally, co-hosted by Turning Point Action, featured Kennedy’s arrival on stage to applause, music from the Foo Fighters, and a pyrotechnics display.
The move has drawn criticism from Democratic leaders, who have long viewed Kennedy’s candidacy as a deliberate attempt to undermine their party. The party issued a “Good Riddance” press release labeling Kennedy’s campaign “a failed fringe candidate.”
The Trump campaign said in a memorandum, “the net vote gained in a state like Arizona based on just a 2020 turnout model would be over 41,000 votes nearly 4 times Biden’s winning margin or in Georgia the net gain would be over 19,000 votes nearly twice Biden’s margin.”
It insisted, “So, when you hear or see the Harris team and/or the Democrats try and spin otherwise, now that the data clearly paints a different picture. This is good news for President Trump and his campaign – plain and simple.”
– – –
Christy Kelly is a reporter at The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Christy on Twitter / X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Robert Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump” by Team Trump.
