RFK Jr. confirms meeting with Trump but firmly denies any plans to withdraw and endorse former POTUS

07/17/2024 / By Laura Harris

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has confirmed meeting with Republican nominee and former president Donald Trump but firmly denied potential Trump endorsement and withdrawal from the race.

Kennedy, an environmental lawyer, is the son of former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy. He has never held elected office despite his family’s storied political legacy, but nevertheless maintains a devoted base of supporters and a broad appeal that extends beyond the Democratic Party, of which he was previously a member before withdrawing from the party amid allegations that it was running a primary that was rigged to ensure President Joe Biden’s renomination. (Related: RFK Jr. slams GUILTY verdict on Trump, calls it a blow to democracy and the Democratic Party.)

Several reports claimed that Trump met with Kennedy in Milwaukee on July 15 to seek his endorsement. Kennedy’s campaign team confirmed the meeting that same day, but firmly denied any plans to withdraw from the race.

“Yes, Mr. Kennedy met with President Trump today to discuss national unity, and he hopes to meet with leaders of the Democratic Party as well,” Kennedy campaign press secretary Stefanie Spear said. “And no he is not dropping out of the race. He is the only pro-environment, pro-choice, anti-war candidate who beats Donald Trump in head-to-head polls.”

Even Kennedy addressed the rumors that the primary focus was a potential endorsement of Trump.

“Lots of rumors going around about my meeting this morning with President Trump,” Kennedy wrote on X. “Our main topic was national unity, and I hope to meet with Democratic leaders about that as well. No, I am not dropping out of the race.”

Polls indicate a significant level of support for Kennedy, sometimes reaching the double digits. Were Kennedy to drop out of the race and endorse Trump, it would scramble the election and give the Republican Party a significant boost.

As it stands, Kennedy’s campaign faces steep odds against the well-established Biden and Trump, and while it is likely his run will receive significant popular support it is unlikely to win.

RFK Jr. will be provided Secret Service protection too after the attempted assassination of Trump

The meeting comes on the heels of an assassination attempt on Trump on July 13.

In line with this, Biden directed Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to collaborate with the U.S. Secret Service to protect Kennedy, a privilege the independent candidate has long sought. Kennedy expressed his gratitude towards Biden for this decision in a statement.

Trump also joined the chorus advocating for Kennedy’s protection on his official website, Truth Social.

“In light of what is going on in the world today, I believe it is imperative that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. receive Secret Service protection – immediately,” Trump wrote on July 15. “Given the history of the Kennedy Family, this is the obvious right thing to do!”

Visit RFKJr.news for more stories about the independent presidential candidate.

Watch this Fox News report about the three-man race in the November 2024 presidential election.

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