According to bombshell reports on Wednesday, Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is set to make a major campaign announcement in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday afternoon… just hours before Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is set to appear nearby at a campaign rally.
It has led to unverified reports that RFK, Jr. is going to drop out and join Trump’s campaign.
Indeed, Kennedy’s own running mate, Nicole Shanahan, said that RFK, Jr. and her were prepared to do just that earlier this week.
His campaign released the following press release on Wednesday —
PHOENIX, AZ—AUGUST 21, 2024—Independent Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will address the nation live on Friday about the present historical moment and his path forward.
WHAT: Kennedy to Address the Nation
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 23 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, arrive by 10 a.m. PT
WHERE: Phoenix, AZ (address will be provided to registered press)
RSVP: Media must request press credentials at [email protected] with PHOENIX ADDRESS in the subject line and include their name, outlet, title, and phone number.
LIVE-STREAM: The event will be live-streamed on X and other social channels
It led to immediate speculation that RFK, Jr. would be joining the Trump campaign shortly after an endorsement.
Kennedy and his campaign have railed against the Democratic Party legal efforts to remove him from state ballots.
Shannon said during an interview released Tuesday with the Impact Theory podcast they were prepared to join Trump’s campaign in an effort to stop Vice President Kamala Harris.
She accused Democrats of “sabotage” against their campaign, and said “there’s only one party that has obstructed a fair election for us, and unfortunately, it was the Democratic Party.”
“There’s two options that we’re looking at,” Shanahan said during the interview. “One is staying in, forming that new party, but we run the risk of a Kamala Harris and [Minnesota Gov. Tim] Walz presidency, because we draw votes from Trump or we draw somehow more votes from Trump.”
“Or, we walk away right now and join forces with Donald Trump,” she continued. “We walk away from that and we explain to our base why we’re making this decision.”
RFK, Jr.’s Independent campaign has struggled to raise funds in recent months. According to a report by Politico on Monday, Kennedy’s campaign “was left with just $3.9 million in the bank at the end of last month — while owing nearly $3.5 million in debt, according to a report filed with the Federal Election Commission on Monday.”
“That was after the campaign reported spending more than $7 million in July, despite cutting back on events, while raising just $5.6 million — nearly half of which came from his running mate, Nicole Shanahan.”
Following Shanahan’s peace offering, Trump told CNN he was open to the idea of RFK, Jr. joining his ticket as a campaign surrogate.
“I like him, and I respect him,” Trump said. “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.”
Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, R-O.H., also confirmed the two campaigns were talking — and that a cabinet position may be offered to RFK, Jr. in exchange for his support.
BREAKING: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will address the nation live on Friday in Phoenix, Arizona about his "path forward."
Donald Trump will also be in Phoenix this Friday where he is holding a rally.
"Independent Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will address the nation… pic.twitter.com/IBMW7TWOSo
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 21, 2024