On Tuesday, Donald Trump signaled a clear quid pro quo with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., indicating he would consider appointing Kennedy to a role in his administration if Kennedy exits the 2024 race and endorses the former president.
In an interview with CNN’s Kristen Holmes following a campaign event in Michigan, Trump expressed his excitement about the idea.
“I like him, and I respect him,” Trump said of RFK Jr. “He’s a brilliant guy. He’s a very smart guy. I’ve known him for a very long time. I didn’t know he was thinking about getting out, but if he is thinking about getting out, certainly I’d be open to it.”
Trump’s remarks came in response to a podcast where Kennedy’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, hinted that the Kennedy campaign might drop out and endorse Trump to mitigate “the risk” of a Kamala Harris victory.
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Trump eagerly welcomed the prospect of such an endorsement, saying, “I would love that endorsement, because I’ve always liked him.”
When asked if he would offer Kennedy a position in his administration, Trump replied, “I probably would.” He elaborated, “I like him a lot. I respect him a lot. I probably would, if something like that would happen. He’s a very different kind of guy—a very smart guy. And, yeah, I would be honored by that endorsement, certainly.”
Despite Kennedy’s progressive stances, Trump dismissed concerns about potential backlash from Republicans, asserting, “I like smart people, and Republicans like me.”
