Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent presidential candidate, has dispelled rumors of a prearranged deal with former President Trump in exchange for his endorsement.
Kennedy clarified that there were "no commitments" of a cabinet position or any other role within a potential Trump administration. His remarks came during an interview with Shannon Bream, the anchor of Fox News Sunday.
According to The Hill, Kennedy's comments followed his recent decision to suspend his presidential campaign in swing states, while maintaining his candidacy in predominantly red and blue states. This strategic move was accompanied by Kennedy's endorsement of Trump and a scathing critique of the Democratic Party and the media. Kennedy accused both entities of treating his independent campaign unfairly.
Trump responded promptly to Kennedy's endorsement, labeling it as "big" and "very nice." The former president also expressed his admiration for Kennedy, describing him as a "great guy, respected by everybody."
Speculation has been rife over the past few months that Kennedy is eyeing a Cabinet position, irrespective of the November election outcome. Reports suggest that he has sought meetings with Vice President Harris and Trump to discuss potential roles. However, Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy's running mate, downplayed any progress with Harris in a recent interview, referring to a potential Harris-Walz presidency as a "risk" of staying in.
Kennedy, if offered a position, could spearhead significant reforms across various government agencies. However, he dismissed suggestions that he would entirely dismantle these institutions. Instead, he emphasized his intent to "change the focus" and eradicate corruption.
"I wouldn't dismantle them. I would change the focus and I would end the corruption," Kennedy stated. He further elaborated on his vision for key health agencies, saying, "We need to get the corruption out of FDA [Food and Drug Administration], out of NIH [National Institute of Health], out of the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and make them function as they're supposed to function, which is to protect public health and particularly children's health."
Kennedy's remarks underscore his commitment to reform and integrity, hallmarks of his independent campaign. His endorsement of Trump and criticism of the Democratic Party and media reflect his conservative leanings, while his focus on rooting out corruption aligns with traditional values of transparency and accountability.
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