Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Friday that he is suspending his campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election. Kennedy’s decision comes as his national support dwindled to just 4 percent, according to a recent opinion poll. This move likely signals the end of a presidential bid that began with significant momentum but faced numerous challenges along the way.
Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and prominent anti-vaccine activist, initially launched his campaign as a Democrat, leveraging the legacy of his iconic family. However, after failing to gain substantial traction within the Democratic Party, he shifted to an independent run in late 2023. At one point, Kennedy garnered significant attention, with some polls showing him capturing as much as 20% of the electorate in a three-way race against incumbent President Joe Biden and Trump.
Despite his early popularity, Kennedy’s campaign struggled to maintain momentum, particularly as the race intensified between Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. With Trump surviving an assassination attempt and Biden stepping aside in favor of Harris, Kennedy’s support plummeted, leaving him with limited influence in the race.
Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump may have significant implications for the election, especially as both candidates vie for support in key swing states. In exchange for his endorsement, Kennedy is reportedly seeking a role in a potential Trump administration, as well as assurances that his political movement will continue in some capacity.
Throughout his campaign, Kennedy portrayed himself as a political outsider, advocating for controversial positions that set him apart from the traditional platforms of both major parties. His endorsement of Trump, a figure he once opposed, marks a dramatic shift in his political strategy as the election draws closer.
