In exchange for an official government position…
The Washington Post reported on Monday that the Trump campaign declined an offer from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to endorse former President Donald Trump in exchange for a government position.
Behind the Scenes of the Negotiations
Journalists Josh Dawsey and Michael Scherer, citing four sources familiar with the negotiations, stated that discussions between the two campaigns commenced shortly after the attempted assassination of Trump on July 13.
In response to the report, Kennedy expressed his respect for Trump reaching out to him when Democrats have not. “I have a lot of respect for President Trump for reaching out to me. Nobody from the DNC, high or low, has ever reached out to me in 18 months. Instead, they have allocated millions to try to disrupt my campaign,” Kennedy told the Post. However, he sidestepped the question about whether he proposed endorsing Trump in a quid pro quo arrangement.
Kennedy's Independent Campaign
Kennedy emphasized his commitment to his independent presidential campaign. “I am willing to talk to anybody from either political party who wants to talk about children's health and how to end the chronic disease epidemic.” He added that his campaign remains focused on these core issues, regardless of party lines.
Concerns from Trump Advisors
According to the Post, concerns among Trump's advisers about Kennedy potentially being too problematic played a role in the decision to reject his offer.
“President Trump met with RFK and they had a conversation about the issues just as he does regularly with important figures in business and politics because they all recognize he will be the next president of the United States,” a Trump spokesperson responded.
Following the attempt on Trump's life, Kennedy apologized to the former president after his son, Bobby Kennedy III, leaked a private call online. In the now-deleted video, recorded the day after the assassination attempt at Trump's Pennsylvania rally, Bobby Kennedy III posted that Trump was heard sharing his true thoughts on vaccinating kids. He initially commented that such discussions should be public. He also criticized Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Trump's newly announced running mate, suggesting that his father was being considered for the role.
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Unity, sir.