In a surprising turn of events, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has left an evening meeting in Arizona just before a series of engagements that would have put him in close proximity to former President Donald Trump in Phoenix. The departure comes amid growing speculation that Kennedy may be moving away from his independent stance toward one more aligned with Trump and his Republican base.
Scheduled to speak in Phoenix at 2 p.m. EDT about “the current moment in history and the path forward,” Kennedy’s campaign agenda appears to be taking a significant turn. Later, Trump is expected to host a meeting in nearby Glendale, further fueling speculation that the two may meet.
Although Trump, who is campaigning near the Mexican border in Arizona, said there were no immediate plans for a joint appearance with Kennedy, he did not rule out the possibility of an imminent meeting to discuss possible collaboration.
Adding to the intrigue, the Trump campaign hinted at an upcoming event in Glendale that could include a “special guest,” further fueling speculation about a potential alliance.
As discussions unfolded on Fox News after the Democratic National Convention, Trump expressed uncertainty about Kennedy's support but acknowledged the coincidence of their simultaneous presence in Arizona, suggesting a potential discussion could be on the horizon.
While there has been no official confirmation from either group regarding a formal invitation or a scheduled appearance together, the buzz surrounding their possible collaboration has not yet died down.
Kennedy's recent withdrawal from Arizona, as confirmed by his spokesperson, occurred shortly after he qualified for the ballot by exceeding the required number of signatures. This move has raised eyebrows, especially given the heavy involvement of a Super PAC in his campaign, which could potentially violate coordination rules.
The idea that Kennedy, a scion of the Democratic Party’s most illustrious family, might side with Trump has been met with skepticism and curiosity. In recent months, both sides have softened their tone toward each other, hinting at a behind-the-scenes alignment, perhaps aimed at weakening Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’s electoral prospects.
Last month’s incident at the Republican National Convention, in which video of a phone call between Kennedy and Trump was briefly released and then retracted, added to the ongoing narrative of their possible cooperation.
During the strategic talks, Trump's team is said to have pushed Kennedy to abandon his independent campaign and support the Republican candidate, a move Trump openly welcomed in an interview with CNN, praising Kennedy's brilliance and expressing his willingness to involve him in his administration should he change his mind.
Kennedy, who previously launched a 2024 presidential bid as a Democrat before declaring himself an independent, has amassed a unique following, particularly among anti-establishment voters and vaccine skeptics. However, recent campaign finance challenges and legal woes have cast a shadow over the viability of his campaign.
Interestingly, the data suggests that Kennedy’s influence may pose a greater threat to Trump than Harris, with Republicans showing a significantly more favorable opinion of Kennedy than Democrats.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Harris’s team remains ready to welcome supporters from the Kennedy camp should she decide to drop out of the race, positioning Harris as a candidate who advocates for the separation of government and personal decisions and seeks a new path forward.
The unfolding events promise to keep political analysts and voters on the edge of their seats, as the implications of these potential alliances and shifts could redefine the dynamics of the upcoming election.