Former President Donald Trump has pledged to unveil all remaining documents related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy if he is elected in November. This promise came hours after receiving an endorsement from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his third-party presidential campaign to back Trump.
Speaking at a rally in Glendale, Arizona, Trump announced his intention to establish a new commission on presidential assassination attempts, which would also investigate the July 13 assassination attempt against him. He further outlined plans to create a panel of experts, including Kennedy, to address childhood health issues.
Kennedy, a noted anti-vaccine advocate, joined Trump on stage to a raucous reception from the crowd, which chanted his name. Earlier on Friday, Kennedy had declared he was ending his independent presidential run and endorsing Trump. His decision was influenced by concerns that his candidacy could inadvertently benefit Vice President Kamala Harris by drawing votes away from Trump. Kennedy will remove his name from ballots in key swing states but remain listed in others.
In his brief address at the rally, Kennedy praised Trump’s commitment to “making America healthy again” and protecting the nation from what he described as totalitarianism. Trump, in turn, lauded Kennedy’s family legacy, recalling his father and uncle’s significant contributions to American politics.
However, Kennedy’s endorsement has sparked controversy within his own family. Kerry Kennedy criticized her brother’s support of Trump, suggesting that their late father would have disapproved of the alliance. Additionally, five of Kennedy’s siblings condemned the endorsement as a betrayal of their family’s values and endorsed the Democratic ticket of Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Amidst sweltering temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C) in Glendale, local news reported that over 100 attendees required medical treatment for heat exhaustion at the rally, with some being transported to hospitals.
Kennedy’s decision to withdraw from ballots has been confirmed in Arizona, Ohio, and Texas, with similar actions underway in Pennsylvania. However, it is too late for him to remove his name from the ballots in crucial battleground states like Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin.
Trump’s proposal to collaborate with Kennedy on a new health panel is notable given Kennedy’s controversial stance on vaccines. Kennedy, who has promoted various unfounded health claims, has been criticized for spreading misinformation about vaccines and COVID-19.
This endorsement is particularly striking given Kennedy’s previous criticism of Trump, who had also disparaged Kennedy publicly. Despite past conflicts, Trump now praises Kennedy and speculates that he might have been a formidable challenger to President Joe Biden if Kennedy had remained in the Democratic primary.
The political landscape continues to shift as both candidates navigate their new alliances and campaign strategies in the lead-up to the November election.
Key Points:
- Trump’s JFK Assassination Document Promise:
- Donald Trump pledges to release all remaining documents on JFK’s assassination if elected in November.
- He proposes a new commission to investigate presidential assassination attempts, including the one targeting him.
- Kennedy’s Endorsement and Campaign Withdrawal:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorses Trump and suspends his third-party presidential campaign.
- Kennedy will withdraw from ballots in key swing states to avoid drawing votes away from Trump.
- New Health Panel Proposal:
- Trump plans to establish a panel with Kennedy to address childhood health issues.
- Kennedy, known for anti-vaccine advocacy, will be involved in the panel.
- Family and Public Reaction:
- Kennedy’s endorsement faces backlash from his family and critics.
- Five of Kennedy’s siblings condemn his support for Trump as a betrayal.
- Rally Incident:
- Over 100 people treated for heat exhaustion at Trump’s rally in Glendale, Arizona.
- Kennedy’s withdrawal from ballots confirmed in several states, but too late for others.
- Historical and Political Context:
- Trump and Kennedy have had a contentious relationship, with past criticisms from both sides.
- Trump controversially claims Kennedy could have defeated Biden if he had stayed in the Democratic race.
