Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race and thrown his support behind former President Donald Trump, sparking a backlash from his family and a blistering attack from West Wing actor Bradley Whitford on his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. Whitford accused Hines of staying silent while her husband endorsed a man who "brags about stripping women of their fundamental rights."
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s suspension of his presidential campaign and endorsement of former President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with actors, family members, and political pundits weighing in on the decision.
RFK Jr. Suspends Campaign, Backs Trump; West Wing Actor Blasts Wife's Silence
Bradley Whitford, who played Josh Lyman on The West Wing, launched a scathing attack on Hines, accusing her of tacitly supporting Trump's misogyny by remaining silent about her husband's endorsement. "Gutsy," he wrote sarcastically on Twitter. "Great example for the kids."
Hines, who starred as Cheryl David on Curb Your Enthusiasm, thanked her husband's supporters while calling for unity after his announcement. "It's been my experience that the vast majority of all parties are truly good people who want the best for our country and for each other," she wrote.
RFK Jr. Suspends Campaign, Backs Trump; West Wing Actor Blasts Wife's Silence
Kennedy, an environmental activist and attorney, announced his decision on Friday, blasting the Democratic Party and the media. He accused the Democrats of moving too far to the left and the media of demonizing anyone who dared to question the status quo.
Kennedy's endorsement of Trump has divided his family, with his siblings releasing a statement denouncing his decision. "We believe that our brother is engaging in reprehensible behavior that shames the memory of our parents and disgraces the cause of human rights for which they fought," the statement read.
RFK Jr. Suspends Campaign, Backs Trump; West Wing Actor Blasts Wife's Silence
Kennedy addressed the backlash from within his family on Fox News on Sunday, saying that while he understood their concerns, he felt free to disagree with them on political issues. He emphasized the importance of family unity despite differing views.
Kennedy's suspension of his campaign marks a significant shift in the 2024 presidential race. The former New York governor had been a vocal critic of Trump but has now joined a growing list of Republicans backing the former president.
Whitford's attack on Hines highlights the ongoing division within the entertainment industry over politics. The West Wing actor has been a vocal supporter of Democrats, while Hines has avoided publicly discussing her political views.
The controversy surrounding Kennedy's endorsement is unlikely to subside anytime soon. His family's condemnation and Whitford's attack on Hines have placed the spotlight on the complex intersection of family, politics, and celebrity in the age of social media.
