Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to endorse former President Trump has drawn sharp criticism from his family, with several siblings denouncing it as a "betrayal" of their values.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s family has denounced him for "betraying" their family values after the former presidential candidate gave his full-throated support Friday to former President Trump.
"We want an America filled with hope and bound together by a shared vision of a brighter future, a future defined by individual freedom, economic promise and national pride," a statement signed by five of the former third-party presidential candidate's siblings said.
RFK Jr.'s Trump Endorsement Sparks Rift in Kennedy Family
"We believe in Harris and Walz," the statement continued. "Our brother Bobby's decision to endorse Trump [Friday] is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story."
The statement, signed by Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Courtney Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Chris Kennedy and Rory Kennedy, was shared by Joe Kennedy III, a grandson of Robert F. Kennedy, who wrote that it was "well said."
RFK Jr.'s Trump Endorsement Sparks Rift in Kennedy Family
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. shakes hands with former President Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, during a rally Friday in Glendale, Ariz. (Reuters/Go Nakamura)
Jack Schlossberg, RFK Jr.'s cousin, wrote that his relative was "for sale" and now "works" for Trump.
RFK Jr.'s Trump Endorsement Sparks Rift in Kennedy Family
"Never been less surprised in my life. Been saying it for over a year — RFK Jr. is for sale, works for Trump. Bedfellows and loving it," Schlossberg wrote in an X post. "Kamala Harris is for the people — the easiest decision of all time just got easier."
When RFK Jr. first announced his candidacy, Schlossberg called him an "embarrassment." The 31-year-old has been an ardent supporter of Harris and recently spoke at the Democratic National Convention.
RFK Jr.'s Trump Endorsement Sparks Rift in Kennedy Family
The Kennedy family's public split over RFK Jr.'s endorsement is the latest sign of the deep divisions within the Democratic Party over the 2024 presidential race. While some Democrats are eager to rally behind President Biden, others are looking for an alternative candidate.
RFK Jr.'s endorsement of Trump is likely to further divide the party, as it could alienate some Democratic voters who are opposed to Trump. It is also unclear how the endorsement will affect RFK Jr.'s own political future.
RFK Jr.'s Trump Endorsement Sparks Rift in Kennedy Family
RFK Jr. is a well-known environmental activist and has been involved in politics for many years. He is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 while running for president.
