RFK Jr. Backs Trump, Withdraws From Key States

“My name will remain on the ballot in most states. If you are in a blue state, you can vote for me without harming President Trump or Vice President Harris,” Kennedy said.

“In Red states, the same will apply. … But in about 10 battleground states, where my presence would be a spoiler, I’m going to remove my name, and I’ve already started that process and urge voters not to vote for me,” he continued, adding, “Now, [I am throwing] my support to President Trump.”

The decision by Kennedy to endorse Trump comes just before the former president is slated to give a speech in Glendale, Arizona, where the Trump campaign touted a “special guest” appearance. The endorsement throws a wild card into the race, especially because Trump was doing better in polls against Harris with Kennedy out of the equation.

The independent candidate’s decision came after a bruising week in the polls, which saw Kennedy’s support slide to 5% nationally from the 10% he pulled down earlier in the year. Now, the alliance between Kennedy and Trump may cement conservative support, as many of Kennedy’s backers are more likely to rally behind Trump in the 2024 election.

Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump wasn’t just a question of political calculus; it was also anchored in his increasingly deep disappointment with the Democratic Party. He charged the party with what he said were undemocratic techniques, stating that the primary had been rigged against him.

“In the name of saving democracy, the Democratic Party set itself to dismantling it,” Kennedy said, frustrated by the party’s censorship and ballot access issues.

The move also comes after Kennedy’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, said earlier this week that their campaign was having a debate on whether to continue fighting in the race or whether to join Trump. The decision to support Trump seems to be the result of that internal debate.

Interestingly, Trump had some mixed feelings toward Kennedy in the past, once labeling him a “Democrat plant” and speaking negatively about him on several levels.

But when reports surfaced that Kennedy may endorse him, Trump’s tone changed, as he admitted that he “would be honored” by the expected endorsement.

“So I’ve known him for a long time. As you know, he is a little different kind of a guy. Very smart guy and a very good person. If he endorsed me, I would be honored by it. He really has his heart in the right place. He is a respected person. Women love some of his policies and I guess some people don’t like some of his policies,” he added.