Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering ending his presidential candidacy in the coming days, according to two sources familiar with his campaign, though he has not yet made a final decision.
On Wednesday, his campaign director, Amaryllis Fox, sent an email to staff thanking them for their contributions, and she informed them that he was mulling suspending his campaign.
Kennedy’s campaign announced on his website that he plans to address the nation Friday “about the present historical moment and his path forward.”
His running mate, Nicole Shanahan, told “Impact Theory” podcast’s Tom Bilyeu in an interview that posted Tuesday that Kennedy was considering supporting GOP nominee Donald Trump.
She expressed a fear that in staying in the race, RFK Jr. might “draw votes from Trump” and instead raised the possibility that “we walk away right now and join forces with” him.
Kennedy’s campaign has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Kennedy also recently approached Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign to try to discuss the possibility of serving in her administration, two sources familiar with the situation told CBS News, but Harris and her advisers did not agree to meet him.
“No one has any intention of negotiating with a MAGA-funded fringe candidate who has sought out a job with Donald Trump in exchange for an endorsement,” one Harris campaign source said.
In response to the possibility that Kennedy could end his presidential bid, the Democratic National Committee issued a statement saying “desperate men do desperate things.”
“RFK Jr. was recruited by MAGA, funded by MAGA, and parroted MAGA talking points. No one should be shocked if he formalizes his relationship in an attempt to maintain relevance,” said Mary Beth Cahill, a DNC senior adviser.