His supporters can continue to back him in the majority of states where they are unlikely to influence the outcome.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced that he is suspending his independent candidacy for the U.S. presidential election and will endorse Donald Trump in the race for the White House in November.
“Months ago, I promised the American people that I would withdraw from the race if I became a spoiler. A spoiler is someone who will change the outcome of the election, but who has no chance of winning. Deep down, I no longer believe there is a realistic path to electoral victory in the face of this relentless, systematic censorship and media control.”he said.
“Our polls have consistently shown that if I remained in the race in the states where elections are being held, I would likely hand them to Democrats, with whom I disagree on the most existential issues: censorship, war and chronic disease.”
Mr. Kennedy Jr. said his supporters could continue to back him in the majority of states where they are unlikely to influence the outcome.
Steps have already been taken to withdraw his candidacy in at least two states, Arizona and Pennsylvania.
He said the decision followed conversations with Donald Trump in recent weeks and told reporters he was now bringing his “support for President Trump.”
Kennedy Jr. is the son of the late Attorney General and Senator Robert Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, two heavyweights in Democratic Party history.
He acknowledged that his decision to support Mr Trump had caused tensions with his close family.
Five members of Mr. Kennedy’s family released a statement Friday calling his support for Mr. Trump “sad end to a sad story” and reiterate their support for Kamala Harris.
Campaigning in Las Vegas, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said it was a “great honor” to receive Mr. Kennedy’s support.
“I want to thank Bobby, it was very kind. It’s really very kind. It’s huge. He’s a great man, respected by all”he said.
The Kennedy Jr. and Trump campaigns have lavished praise on each other in recent weeks. Both campaigns have spent months accusing Democrats of using the justice system to their advantage.
Both have publicly hinted that they might consider joining forces.
The US presidential election will take place on November 5.