Kennedy Jr. considers teaming up with Trump as presidential race heats up

Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is contemplating a potential alliance with Republican rival Donald Trump, according to his vice presidential candidate, Nicole Shanahan.

In an interview released online on Tuesday, Shanahan expressed concerns that their independent campaign could inadvertently siphon votes from Trump supporters, thereby paving the way for Democrats Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to secure victory in the upcoming November election.

“Or we walk away right now and join forces with Donald Trump,” Shanahan stated during her conversation with Los Angeles media company Impact Theory. However, she did not specify when a decision regarding this possible shift would be made.

Trump, speaking to CNN on Tuesday, indicated that he would be “certainly open” to the idea of Kennedy taking on a role within his administration if the independent candidate were to drop out and endorse him. “I like him, and I respect him,” Trump said, adding, “He’s a brilliant guy. He’s a very smart guy. I’ve known him for a very long time. 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 statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Kennedy remarked, “As always, I am willing to talk with leaders of any political party to further the goals I have served for 40 years in my career and in this campaign.”

Kennedy, the son of the late Democratic politician Robert F. Kennedy, is known as an environmental advocate but has also faced criticism for spreading misinformation regarding vaccines, prompting his family to denounce his campaign. Initially, he sought to challenge President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination but later switched to run as an independent after Biden endorsed Kamala Harris, who is set to accept the Democratic nomination at the party’s convention this week.

At 70 years old, Kennedy faces significant challenges in qualifying for the presidential ballot in numerous states. However, his candidacy has the potential to impact the closely contested race between Harris and Trump, potentially drawing away crucial votes in a pivotal election.