“He’s a very smart guy. I’ve known him for a very long time,” Trump told the network. “I didn’t know he was thinking about getting out, but if he is thinking about getting out, certainly I’d be open to it.”
In a surprising turn of events, close allies of Donald Trump, including his son Donald Trump Jr., former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and GOP donor Omeed Malik, have been quietly lobbying Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse the Republican nominee. According to a source familiar with the discussions, these efforts have intensified in recent weeks, aiming to unite conservative forces against the Democratic nominee. This behind-the-scenes maneuvering could have significant implications for the race, especially as Kennedy’s campaign struggles to gain traction amidst legal challenges and dwindling support.
Kennedy’s campaign has added fuel to the speculation by announcing that he will deliver a speech this Friday addressing the “present historical moment and his path forward.” This has raised eyebrows among political observers, especially after Kennedy’s running mate openly hinted at a potential alliance with Trump during a recent podcast. The prospect of such a partnership, aimed at weakening Vice President Kamala Harris’s chances, marks a dramatic shift for Kennedy, a lifelong Democrat with deep ties to one of the most iconic families in American politics.
The potential endorsement would be a remarkable pivot for Kennedy, who once fiercely opposed Trump but now finds himself in talks with the former president. Trump has openly expressed admiration for Kennedy, describing him as a “brilliant guy” and indicating he would welcome his support. As Kennedy prepares to speak in Arizona, the political world is watching closely to see if he will drop out and align with Trump, a move that could reshape the 2024 race and present a formidable challenge to the Democrats.
