Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made his first appearance at a rally for former President Donald Trump on Friday, just hours after dropping his own campaign and throwing his support behind the Republican nominee. In typical Trump fashion, the former president introduced Kennedy as an “incredible champion” for American values, showering him with praise as a “highly respected” and “great person.” The crowd at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, erupted into chants of “Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!” as Kennedy took the stage—a scene that must have made the legacy media squirm.
Trump didn’t hold back in his admiration, drawing a connection between Kennedy’s campaign and the ideals of his famous father and uncle. “His candidacy has inspired millions and millions of Americans,” Trump said, noting how Kennedy managed to raise critical issues that both parties have ignored for far too long. “I know that they are looking down right now, and they are very, very proud of Bobby. I’m proud of Bobby,” Trump declared, in a moment that had to make the Democrats cringe.
Kennedy, who has now aligned himself with Trump, highlighted the common ground the two found in their discussions—particularly after the July 13 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. “We didn’t talk about the things that separate us, because we don’t agree on everything,” Kennedy admitted. Instead, they focused on shared values, like wanting “healthy children” and getting “chemicals out of our food.” Kennedy emphasized that Trump shares his desire to rid regulatory agencies of corporate corruption, something the current administration has been conveniently silent about.
During his hour-long speech in Phoenix, Kennedy described his decision to suspend his campaign and endorse Trump as “agonizing.” But given the way the Harris-Biden administration treated him—denying Secret Service protection despite a legacy of family assassinations and the recent attempt on his own life—it’s not surprising he’d lean towards a candidate who at least pretends to care about his safety. Kennedy also hinted at a potential role in Trump’s administration, possibly as Health and Human Services secretary, which would surely send the left into a tailspin.
Trump, never one to miss a chance to jab at his opponents, took a swipe at the “Harris-Biden administration” for their failure to protect Kennedy. As a tribute to the Kennedy legacy, Trump announced that, if elected, he would establish a commission on assassination attempts and release all federal records related to JFK’s murder. “But I tell you,” Trump added, “I have never had more people ask me, ‘Please, sir, release the documents on the Kennedy assassination,’ and we’re going to do that.”
This rally marked a significant moment in the 2024 race, bringing together two political figures from very different backgrounds who found common cause in their fight against the establishment. With Kennedy’s endorsement, Trump just might have added another layer of complexity to a race that was already shaping up to be one for the history books.
