Former President Donald Trump’s team has reportedly reached out to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about a potential vice-presidential role. This news comes as Trump continues to explore his options for a running mate in his potential 2024 presidential campaign.
According to sources, the outreach to Kennedy occurred shortly after Trump announced his presidential campaign in April 2023. However, Kennedy, who initially ran as a Democratic contender before declaring himself an independent, has consistently rebuffed the idea of aligning with Trump as his vice president.
“It was right out of the box when Bobby announced in April 2023 that he was running for president,” a source familiar with the matter revealed to the New York Post. Kennedy’s SuperPAC benefactor, Timothy Mellon, commented, “I’ve heard the concept. It’s not surprising.”
Despite Kennedy’s hesitation, a second donor backing Trump and Kennedy suggested that efforts to enlist Kennedy are still ongoing within Trump’s inner circles. “It’s very much behind the scenes at this stage. As we progress, you might see it bubble up a little bit more,” the donor said, emphasizing Kennedy’s potential to attract new voters.
The idea of a Trump-Kennedy alliance is intriguing, particularly due to their differing views on vaccines. Trump, who championed the development of the coronavirus vaccine during his presidency, stands in stark contrast to Kennedy’s well-known stance against vaccinations. However, Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, has expressed support for this alliance, predicting a “massive landslide” should it come to fruition.
As Trump continues to gain momentum in early primaries, speculation about his choice of running mate is rampant. Names like Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) have circulated as potential candidates.
While the Trump-Kennedy alliance remains uncertain, it represents an interesting development in the ever-evolving world of politics. As the 2024 presidential campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on Trump’s decision on his running mate and the potential impact it could have on the race.
Note: This article was written using AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
