Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorses Trump. See Kennedy family's statement on the 'betrayal'
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced he is suspending his campaign Friday and endorsed former President Donald Trump in the race – a move his family called a "betrayal."
Kennedy made the announcement ahead of a Trump rally in Arizona, a day after he withdrew his name from the state's presidential ballot.
The 70-year-old son of former Democratic politician Robert F. Kennedy and member of one of Massachusetts' most prominent political families launched his campaign as a Democrat last year before registering as an Independent candidate in October 2023.
"Our brother Bobby's decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear," President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Kerry Kennedy wrote in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. "It's a sad ending to a sad story."
The campaign appeared to be losing money and struggled to break polling numbers in the double digits recently.
Here's what to know about Kennedy's announcement.
RFK Jr says he is suspending campaign activities
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of the political powerhouse Kennedy family of Massachusetts, said he would be suspending his presidential campaign Friday.
Kennedy said his campaign would not be over, as his name is still set to appear on ballots in many states; he said he would be keeping his name on the ballot in 10 states but did not specify which ones.
"My name will remain on the ballot in most states. If you live in a blue state, you can vote for me without harming or helping President Trump or Vice President Harris, and red states, the same will apply. I encourage you to vote for me," Kennedy said.
While announcing the end of his active campaign in Arizona, Kennedy thanked his campaign staff and volunteers that supported his bid.
He also called his former Democratic party "corrupt" and said mainstream media outlets had colluded with the party to censor him.
"In my heart I no longer believe that I have a realistic path to electoral victory in the face of this relentless systematic censorship and media control," Kennedy said.
RFK Jr. backs Trump in presidential race
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed former President Donald Trump in the presidential race after suspending his own campaign.
He said he has different opinions than the former president but that they are aligned on "many key issues."
Kennedy's endorsement comes as the 70-year-old reportedly looks to play a part in a potential Trump White House.
During a podcast episode earlier this week, Kennedy's running mate Nicole Shanahan said the pair were considering dropping out of the race to "join forces with" Trump.
Trump told FOX News Channel earlier this week that he would be "honored" to be endorsed by Kennedy. He also said on CNN that he would be "open" to potentially working with him.
What did the Kennedy family say about RFK Jr.?
Following the announcement, Kerry Kennedy put out a statement on behalf of the family.
"We want an America filled with hope and bound together by a shared vision of a brighter future, a future defined by individual freedom, economic promise and national pride," it said. "We believe in Harris and Walz."
It went on to call the decision to endorse Trump a betrayal.
The statement was signed by Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Courtney Kennedy, Chris Kennedy and Rory Kennedy in addition to Kerry Kennedy.
Who is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a politician and environmental lawyer. He is the son of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy.
Kennedy has become known for spreading anti-vaccine misinformation.
An Ipsos poll taken this month showed his support at 4%. Polls have also shown that Kennedy’s campaign is pulling support from voters who otherwise would back Trump.
Editor's note: This story was updated Aug. 26, 2024, to correct the name of the news network that former President Donald Trump spoke to about a potential Kennedy endorsement.