Trump meets with RFK Jr. ahead of GOP convention

Former President Trump met with Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Monday morning, ahead of the Republican National Convention.

Kennedy confirmed the meeting in a statement Monday afternoon, but he cast doubt on Politico’s reporting that the primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss a potential endorsement for Trump.

“Lots of rumors going around about my meeting this morning with President Trump,” Kennedy wrote on social platform X. “Our main topic was national unity, and I hope to meet with Democratic leaders about that as well.”

“No, I am not dropping out of the race,” Kennedy continued.

The Hill has reached out to Trump’s campaign for a response.

An endorsement from Kennedy could give either candidate the modest boost it needs to make a difference in the exceptionally close race.

In The Hill/Decision Desk HQ’s national average, Kennedy polls at 8 percent support, behind Trump’s 42 percent and Biden’s 40 percent.

President Biden, earlier Monday, directed Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to work with the U.S. Secret Service to provide protection for Kennedy — a privilege the Independent candidate has long sought. Kennedy thanked Biden in a statement for granting the request.

The announcement follows the assassination attempt on Trump, which shocked the country over the weekend and renewed calls for Kennedy to get Secret Service protection — a request for which Kennedy said he was denied last year.

Earlier in the day, Trump had joined the calls for Kennedy to get the Secret Service protection.

“In light of what is going on in the world today, I believe it is imperative that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. receive Secret Service protection — immediately,” Trump wrote Monday on Truth Social.

“Given the history of the Kennedy Family, this is the obvious right thing to do!” he added.

At the convention on Monday, Trump was formally named the Republican Party’s 2024 nominee for president.

Tags 2024 presidential election Donald Trump independent candidate Joe Biden Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Secret Service

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed..

 

Main Area Top ↴

Testing Homepage Widget

 

Main Area Middle ↴

Article Bin Elections 2024

Canada will reduce immigration targets as Trudeau acknowledges his policy failed
Israeli strike on Gaza shelter kills 17 as Blinken says cease-fire talks will resume
Middle East latest: Blinken in Doha to discuss Gaza cease-fire with Qatari officials
A car bomb explodes outside a police station in western Mexico, wounding 3 officers
Mozambique’s ruling party candidate declared winner of presidential election as rigging claims swirl
Putin ends BRICS summit that sought to expand Russia’s global clout but was shadowed by Ukraine
Turkey strikes Kurdish militant targets in Syria and Iraq for a second day
Massive displacement from Israel-Hezbollah war transforms Beirut’s famed commercial street
Canada’s Trudeau vows lead his Liberal Party into the next election
Russian lawmakers ratify pact with North Korea as US confirms that Pyongyang sent troops to Russia
Train carrying 55 people derails on Norway’s north coast, killing at least 1 person and injuring 4
Trash carried by a North Korean balloon again falls on the presidential compound in Seoul
Britain’s leaders likely to face slavery reparations questions at a summit of former colonies
The Paris conference for Lebanon raises $1 billion in pledges for humanitarian and military support
Venice extends its day-tripper tax through next year to combat overtourism
More AP International

Image 2024 Elections

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, stands on stage with Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, after speaking during the Republican National Convention, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, stands on stage with Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, after speaking during the Republican National Convention, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Most Popular

Load more

Video

See all Video