On Thursday, former President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about whether Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would endorse him but acknowledged the possibility of a meeting in Arizona on Friday. Trump’s comments, made on Fox News shortly after Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at the Democratic National Convention, came despite speculation that Kennedy might end his third-party presidential campaign and support Trump.
“I have no clue if he will endorse me,” Trump stated. “He’s having a news conference, and we’ll both be in Arizona, though in different parts of the state. There’s a chance we could meet and discuss it.”
Trump and Kennedy‘s events are planned in separate locations about 10 miles apart. Trump is set to speak at a Turning Point Action event in Glendale later in the day, while Kennedy is expected to discuss his future plans and the current political landscape.
There are indications from both Trump and Kennedy’s campaigns suggesting Kennedy might withdraw and back Trump, though details are still being finalized. Discussions between the two camps are ongoing, with Kennedy potentially seeking a role in a second Trump administration. However, Kennedy’s wife, Cheryl Hines, is reportedly opposed to his support for Trump.
The Trump campaign hinted at a surprise guest at their Phoenix rally, where Trump is slated to talk about his America First agenda, including plans to combat inflation, secure the border, and enhance public safety.
Kennedy’s campaign also formally withdrew from the Arizona ballot on Thursday, signaling a likely departure from the race. Initially considered a serious threat to Democrats, Kennedy’s presence in the race appeared to siphon votes from both Trump and President Biden. Recent polls indicate that Kennedy has drawn more support from Trump than from Harris.
Despite concerns about Kennedy’s potential endorsement, Harris’s campaign remains unfazed. Michael Tyler, a spokesperson for Harris, downplayed the impact of Kennedy’s withdrawal, framing it as a strategic move aligned with MAGA interests and reinforcing that the election is a choice between Harris’s commitment to the American people and Trump’s self-serving agenda.