Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Ends Presidential Bid, Throws Support Behind Trump

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ended his campaign and endorsed Republican Donald Trump, fearing his candidacy would siphon support from Trump. Kennedy will remove his name from ballots in 10 battleground states but remains a candidate elsewhere. His controversial decision drew backlash from his family and Democrats.

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abandoned his campaign on Friday and endorsed Republican Donald Trump, concluding a presidential bid that initially began under the Democratic banner. The move, according to Kennedy, stemmed from concerns about diverting support from Trump, who faces a close race with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the November 5 election.

Kennedy disclosed that he met with Trump and his advisors multiple times, discovering common ground on key issues such as border security, free speech, and ending wars. He emphasized that despite their significant differences on many issues, they had a shared stance on other critical topics.

Making his announcement at a news conference, Kennedy stated he would retract his name from ballots in 10 pivotal battleground states deemed crucial for determining the election outcome. However, he intends to remain a candidate in other states. Having entered the race as a Democrat in April 2023, Kennedy's shift to an independent run saw initial significant voter interest, but his support dwindled over recent months.

(With inputs from agencies.)