Kennedy is set to speak at 2 p.m. Eastern time in Phoenix about “the present historical moment and his path forward,” according to his campaign. Later in the day, Trump will hold a rally in nearby Glendale.
While Trump, who was campaigning in southern Arizona along the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday, stated that there were “no plans” for Kennedy to appear with him on Friday, he acknowledged that both would be in the same city at the same time.
Trump’s campaign made an unusual announcement Thursday evening, hinting that he would be joined by a “special guest” at his Glendale event. When Trump called into Fox News Channel after the Democratic National Convention, he said he was unsure if Kennedy would endorse him but mentioned the possibility of meeting to discuss it.
Neither Trump’s campaign nor Kennedy’s camp responded immediately to inquiries about whether Kennedy would be the special guest.
Kennedy’s decision to withdraw from the Arizona ballot, confirmed by a spokesperson for the secretary of state, came less than a week after he submitted more than the required number of signatures to qualify. However, some critics questioned the validity of these signatures, citing concerns about possible coordination between Kennedy’s campaign and a pro-Kennedy super PAC.
On Thursday, Kennedy, his running mate Nicole Shanahan, and their electors submitted notarized letters officially withdrawing from the race in Arizona.
The idea of Kennedy, a prominent Democratic figure, collaborating with Trump to prevent a Democrat from winning the White House seemed unthinkable a year ago. Despite Kennedy’s recent criticisms of Trump and Trump’s remarks about Kennedy being a “radical left candidate,” the two campaigns have recently engaged in positive exchanges and behind-the-scenes talks. Both have accused Democrats of misusing the legal system and hinted at potential cooperation to limit Kamala Harris’s chances in the election.
A video posted and quickly removed last month by Kennedy’s son showed a phone call between Kennedy and Trump, where Trump appeared to persuade Kennedy to back him. Discussions have continued, with Trump allies reportedly urging Kennedy to withdraw and support Trump.
Trump expressed enthusiasm for an endorsement from Kennedy, calling him a “brilliant guy” and suggesting that Kennedy could have a role in his administration if he endorses him.
Shanahan recently suggested on a podcast that Kennedy might “walk away” from the race to join forces with Trump. Although she clarified that she isn’t personally negotiating with Trump, she endorsed the idea of Kennedy potentially taking a role like Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy, a descendant of notable political figures Robert F. Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, has not disclosed the reason for his Friday remarks, but they come amid a decline in his campaign’s momentum.
Initially running as a Democrat, Kennedy switched to an independent bid last fall and garnered significant support from anti-establishment and vaccine-skeptical voters. However, his campaign has struggled with finances and legal issues, including a recent ruling barring him from the New York ballot due to a “sham” address on petitions.
Recent polls show Kennedy’s support in the low single digits, and third-party candidates often fail to meet early polling expectations. Data suggests that Kennedy staying in the race might hurt Trump more than Harris, as Republicans with a favorable view of Kennedy are also likely to support Trump over Harris.
Kamala Harris’ campaign has expressed openness to Kennedy voters if he drops out, aiming to attract those disillusioned with Trump.
Trump’s Friday events will conclude a week of visits to battleground states, focusing on his policy proposals and seeking to shift attention from the Democratic National Convention. He will end the week with appearances in Las Vegas and Glendale.
