Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is planning to drop out of the presidential race by the end of this week, sources familiar with the decision tell ABC News.
Sources tell ABC News that Kennedy plans to endorse Donald Trump — but when asked directly by ABC News if he will be endorsing the former president, Kennedy said, “I will not confirm or deny that.”
“We are not talking about any of that,” he said.
Sources cautioned the decision is not yet finalized and could still change, with one source adding that Kennedy’s hope is, in part, to finalize things quickly in order to try to blunt momentum from the Democratic National Convention.
One possible scenario being discussed is for Kennedy to appear on stage with Trump at an event in Phoenix on Friday, though the sources cautioned that Kennedy’s thinking could always change and sources close to Trump say no plan for Friday is finalized.
Kennedy’s campaign manager, Amaryllis Fox, emailed senior staff on Wednesday morning thanking them for their hard work — but indicated a decision on the way forward had not been made, a source familiar with the email told ABC News.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, July 26, 2024.
Liam Kennedy/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE
“There are a couple potential paths forward, not only two, and I can bear witness to the care, examination that Bobby has invested in the consideration of each,” Fox wrote, according to the source.
A spokesperson for Kennedy posted on X that Kennedy will “address the nation” live on Friday to discuss his “path forward,” but offered no specifics.
A spokesperson for the Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Kennedy told ABC News regarding the Democratic convention and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, “I think it was a coronation, it’s not democracy. Nobody voted. Who chose Kamala? It wasn’t voters.”
He also complained about the way his campaign has been treated.
“She went in four weeks from being the worst liability for the Democratic Party to the second coming of Christ without giving one interview, without showing up for a debate, without a single policy that anyone thinks isn’t ridiculous,” he said. “It’s not democracy.”
There has been speculation circulating in political circles that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, is considering withdrawing from the race for a political position and endorsing former President Donald Trump. Sources close to RFK Jr. have indicated that this move is likely to happen by the end of the week.
RFK Jr. has been a prominent figure in the political arena, known for his advocacy on environmental issues and his work as an attorney. He has also been a vocal critic of certain policies implemented by the current administration.
However, recent developments have suggested that RFK Jr. may be reevaluating his political stance. Sources have suggested that he has been in talks with members of the Trump camp and is considering throwing his support behind the former president.
If RFK Jr. does decide to withdraw from the race and endorse Trump, it could have significant implications for the political landscape. Trump has maintained a loyal base of supporters since leaving office, and having the endorsement of someone with the Kennedy name could potentially sway undecided voters.
It is important to note that these reports are based on sources and have not been confirmed by RFK Jr. himself. Until an official statement is made, it is difficult to predict with certainty what his next move will be.
Overall, the potential withdrawal of RFK Jr. from the race and his endorsement of Trump is a development worth keeping an eye on in the coming days. It could have far-reaching consequences for both the political landscape and the upcoming election.
