Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering ending his campaign to side with Donald Trump, his co-leader revealed in a recent interview.
Vice presidential candidate Nicole Shanahan expressed concern in an interview Tuesday that her independent candidacy could inadvertently draw votes away from Trump, potentially helping Democratic candidates Kamala Harris and Tim Walz secure victory in the November election.
“Or we step back and align ourselves with Donald Trump,” she commented on the Los Angeles portal Impact Theory. She did not comment on the exact timing of that decision.
Trump, in a conversation with CNN, said he would “certainly be open” to having Kennedy on board and could imagine a role for him in his administration if Kennedy decided to drop out of the race.
“I have a lot of admiration and respect for him,” Trump said at a rally in Michigan. “He’s a pretty astute individual, and while I wasn’t aware of his thoughts on withdrawing from the race, I would certainly welcome his involvement.”
Kennedy, speaking on X, said Tuesday: “I am always ready to work with leaders of any party to advance the causes to which I have dedicated myself throughout my 40-year career and during this campaign.”
Kennedy, an environmental activist and son of the late Democratic politician Robert F. Kennedy, initially aimed to challenge President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination. After Biden stepped aside, the race saw Harris step up as a Democratic contender. Kennedy, at 70, has faced challenges in gaining substantial traction in many states, though his participation could still significantly impact the tight race between Harris and Trump.
According to a recent Ipsos poll, Kennedy’s support stood at 4%.
Trump’s interest in Kennedy’s endorsement was evident in a leaked phone conversation in July. Shanahan noted that Trump’s approach to health care policy resonated with them, prompting them to consider a “unity party.” He also made clear that there had been no discussions with the Harris camp.
