RFK Jr set to make major address to Americans as he's tipped to 'join forces with Donald Trump'

RFK Jr set to make major address to Americans as he's tipped to 'join forces with Donald Trump'

GETTY
Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 21/08/2024

- 20:11

Updated: 21/08/2024

- 20:52

RFK JR's running-mate Nicole Shanahan claimed the pair fear the 'risk' of Kamala Harris entering the White House

Robert F Kennedy Jr has announced he will deliver a major address to Americans after his running-mate suggested the pair could "join forces" with Donald Trump.

The 70-year-old, who stood as an independent after struggling through the Democratic primary race, plans to make a keynote speech from Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday.


Kennedy’s press secretary, Stefanie Spear, confirmed the nephew of JFK would make an announcement about "the present historic moment and his path forward".

Trump will also hold a rally in the Copper State, with supporters gathering just 20 minutes away in Glendale on Friday.

RFK Jr set to make major address to Americans as he's tipped to 'join forces with Donald Trump'

RFK Jr set to make major address to Americans as he's tipped to 'join forces with Donald Trump'

GETTY

The announcement comes amid growing speculation about Kennedy dropping out of the race to endorse Trump.

Kennedy's running-mate Nicole Shanahan said: "There’s two options that we’re looking at, and one is staying in, forming that new party, but we run the risk of a Kamala Harris and [Tim] Walz presidency because we draw votes from Trump.

"[Or] we walk away right now and join forces with Donald Trump… and we explain to our base why we’re making this decision."

Shanahan claimed it was "not an easy decision" but clearly sided with Trump over Harris.

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She added: "If we are splitting hairs, I would say that I trust the future of this county more under the leadership of Trump and the [Peter] Thiels [the founder of PayPal and a leading Trump backer] and the JD Vances [the Republican vice-presidential nominee] than I do right now under Harris and the Reid Hoffmans [a Democratic-supporting mega-donor]."

Trump has also made some complimentary comments about Kennedy in recent days.

The 45th President, who is struggling to overcome the momentum building around Harris' campaign, said: "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 [giving him a job in my administration]."

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Opinion polls suggest Kennedy's decision to drop out could prove decisive in deciding who will win on November 5.

The latest YouGov poll puts Kennedy on just three per cent, well below the double-digit support registered earlier this year.

Harris has managed to reverse Biden's deficit to open up a lead of around two points over Trump.

However, Kennedy's potential endorsement could leave the race on a knife-edge as eyes turn to Rust Belt and Sun Belt states.

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