In a public display of political discord, actor Billy Baldwin has severed ties with his long-time friend, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., following the latter's endorsement of Donald Trump.
Baldwin, known for his roles in Hollywood, took to social media to express his disappointment and disapproval of Kennedy's political shift.
According to Newsweek, Baldwin's relationship with Kennedy, often referred to as RFK Jr., dates back several years. The two were photographed together in 2012 at the wedding of Baldwin's brother, Alec Baldwin, in New York City. Baldwin's public denouncement of his friendship with Kennedy comes after the latter suspended his presidential campaign and threw his support behind the former U.S. president.
Baldwin began his social media post by reminiscing about their friendship, "I have known Bobby Kennedy Jr. for decades. We were friends. I loved his politics. His speeches inspired me. We were neighbors. Our kids were friends. We carpooled the kids to school for a few years."
Baldwin then delved into Kennedy's political aspirations, which he claimed have been a constant throughout his adult life. He cited instances in 2006 and 2008 when Kennedy considered running for political office, but ultimately decided against it for various reasons.
Baldwin's post took a critical turn as he discussed Kennedy's recent political decisions. He said, "Now, in 2024 at 70 years old, with the window of opportunity for his presidential aspirations closing, Bobby decides it's now or never. He takes some conspiratorial positions on COVID, vaccinations and Dr. Fauci which tapped into MAGA's frustration and anger with the pandemic, the economy, establishment politics, and the white majority sunsetting into the minority... which leads him to get into bed with Roger Stone, Mike Flynn, Steve Bannon...and ultimately Trump."
Baldwin expressed his disappointment in Kennedy's endorsement of Trump, calling it a betrayal of the Kennedy family's values and traditions. He also accused Kennedy of political cowardice and selling his political soul, stating, "His endorsement of Trump demonstrates his political cowardice. He has sold his political soul and desecrated the historic work and legacy of his father Robert and his uncle President John Kennedy."
The actor also quoted a statement from the Kennedy family, which read, "Our brother Bobby's decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story." Kennedy's sister, Kerry Kennedy, was also quoted as saying, "I am disgusted by my brother's obscene embrace of Donald Trump. And I completely disavow and dissociate myself from Robert Kennedy Jr. and his flagrant efforts to desecrate my father's memory."
Baldwin concluded his post by echoing Kerry Kennedy's sentiments, "I too completely disavow and dissociate myself from Bobby Kennedy Jr."
Baldwin's post sparked a flurry of reactions from social media users. While some criticized him for ending a friendship over political differences, others defended his stance, emphasizing the importance of values and principles.
In 2018, Kennedy, the nephew of assassinated former President John F. Kennedy, criticized Trump's policies in an op-ed for NBC News. He stated, "President Trump's policies have been not to actively encourage democracy abroad, but to reach out to some of the most tyrannical governments in the world and to give them sustenance and encouragement. That's a discredit to democracy."
The current political landscape sees Trump as the Republican presidential candidate running against Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential election. Current President Joe Biden endorsed Kamala Harris in July after dropping out of the 2024 race.
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