Robert Kennedy Jr. cemented his total devotion to Donald Trump before a raucous crowd of adoring supporters Friday night in Arizona, effectively defecting from the Democratic Party.
The nephew of Democratic President John F. Kennedy joined the former president on stage to a barrage of raucous cheers.
The Trump campaign previously announced that a “special guest” would attend the rally, and the mysterious attraction drew thousands of people to the Desert Diamond Arena (capacity for nearly 20,000) in Glendale, Arizona.
Earlier in the day in Phoenix, Kennedy pressed supporters living in 10 key states to back Republican candidate Donald Trump but said his name would remain on ballots in traditionally red or blue states.
“Tonight I’m very pleased to welcome a man who has been an incredible champion,” Trump said of Kennedy. “We’re both in this to do what’s right for the country.”
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left, shakes hands with Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona. Earlier in the day, RFK endorsed Trump
—Bobby! Bobby! Bobby! —the crowd erupted in cheers.
“I don’t think I’ve ever introduced anyone who got the applause he got,” Trump said, still commanding the audience.
He then launched some new political ideas with Kennedy in mind.
“In honor of Bobby… I will establish a new independent commission on attempted assassinations,” said Trump, a survivor of the assassination.
The panel would also investigate Trump’s July 13 shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“And we will release all documents related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.”
“I’ve never had so many people ask me, ‘Please, sir, release the documents on the Kennedy assassination,’ and that’s what we’re going to do,” he said.
The independent presidential candidate received massive applause, with his supporters chanting “Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!”
Trump called Kennedy a well-respected environmentalist who sometimes frustrated the former president because of his independent presidential bid.
The former president pledged to release all documents related to the assassination of Democratic President John F. Kennedy
The former president later praised Kennedy’s heir for his environmental efforts and said he would appoint the independent candidate to an environmental study panel to examine the effects of climate change.
Then he handed over the microphone.
Kennedy began talking about the things he and the former president believe in.
“We’re spending billions in Ukraine and we could use that money here in the United States,” Kennedy said. “Don’t you want a president who will get us out of wars?”
He then spoke about censorship, which he says has been a major issue in his campaign as a third-party candidate, calling it “the first step toward totalitarianism.”
The former Democrat also mentioned the idea of making American foods less processed and less harmful to health.
“President Trump is going to make America healthy again!” Kennedy concluded.
Kennedy explained that his agenda aligns well with Trump’s, and that led him to endorse the former president.
“Wow,” Trump said as he regained control of the podium, explaining that the two had been friends for a long time.
He also proposed a new policy after seeing protesters burn American flags during demonstrations in Chicago over the Democratic National Convention.
“They should make it illegal to burn the American flag,” Trump said, before suggesting a new law.
“If you burn the American flag, you’ll go to jail for a year,” he said to cheers.
The former president also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, criticizing her border policies.
“325,000 migrant children are missing, they’re gone,” he said. “She allowed them to be trafficked into this country.”
Trump criticizes Kamala Harris for being against fracking and strict immigration initiatives
“They will never see their homes or their parents again,” he said.
‘Kamala has freed thousands of Venezuelan gang members.’
“She supports deadly sanctuary cities,” he continued of Biden-Harris immigration policies.
“I’m looking forward to the debate.”
