Nicole Shanahan, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.‘s running mate, has raised the possibility that their campaign might drop out of the 2024 presidential race and endorse Donald Trump, the Republican nominee. Shanahan’s remarks, made during an interview on the podcast “Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu,” have sparked reactions from both supporters and critics, as the Kennedy campaign faces significant financial challenges and dwindling support.
During the podcast interview, Shanahan outlined two possible paths for the Kennedy campaign: staying in the race as an independent, which she acknowledged could risk a Kamala Harris and Tim Walz presidency by drawing votes away from Trump, or dropping out and endorsing Trump. Shanahan expressed concerns about the implications of continuing the campaign, noting that it might inadvertently aid Harris and Walz, the Democratic nominees.
Shanahan stated, “There’s two options that we’re looking at, and one is staying in, forming that new party, but we run the risk of a Kamala Harris and Walz presidency, because we draw votes from Trump or we draw somehow more votes from Trump. Or we walk away right now and join forces with Donald Trump.”
The Kennedy campaign has faced financial difficulties in recent months, despite multimillion-dollar contributions from Shanahan herself. The campaign’s spending has outpaced its fundraising, leading to a period of internal debate about the best way forward. Shanahan’s comments suggest that the campaign is seriously considering whether to continue its independent bid or to explore an alliance with Trump.
Shanahan also discussed the potential benefits of working with Trump, particularly in areas like chronic disease and public health, where she believes Trump has shown genuine interest. She envisioned a scenario where Kennedy could serve as Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, allowing him to influence public health policy directly.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) quickly responded to Shanahan’s remarks, with DNC communications adviser Lis Smith issuing a statement condemning the idea of a Kennedy-Trump alliance. Smith argued that Shanahan’s comments confirmed suspicions that the Kennedy campaign might be more aligned with Trump than previously thought.
“In one interview alone, she floated RFK Jr. for HHS secretary in a Trump administration, discussed her interest in running for governor of California in 2026, admitted that the Kennedy-Shanahan campaign has no path to victory, and raised the possibility of joining forces with Trump to defeat Vice President Harris,” Smith said.
The DNC has expressed concern that Kennedy’s campaign could act as a spoiler in the election, potentially drawing votes away from Harris and helping Trump secure re-election.
Shanahan’s remarks have elicited mixed reactions from Kennedy supporters. Some, like Kennedy campaigner Kyle Kemper, expressed disappointment at the idea of an alliance with Trump. Kemper, who has been a vocal supporter of Kennedy, warned that such a move would go against the campaign’s original mission of independence.
“Don’t make a deal with the devil,” Kemper said, reflecting the concerns of those who fear that an alliance with Trump could undermine the values that Kennedy’s campaign was built on.
However, other supporters were more open to the idea, recognizing the potential strategic advantages of working with Trump to prevent a Harris-Walz presidency. Angela Wulbrecht, a nurse from California, admitted that while she never thought she could vote for Trump, Kennedy’s involvement might change her perspective.
“I never thought in a million years I could vote Trump, but I might for [Kennedy],” Wulbrecht said. “But until I hear it from his own mouth, I don’t really know what to think.”
Shanahan’s comments have raised questions about the future of the Kennedy campaign and its potential impact on the 2024 presidential election. The possibility of a Kennedy-Trump alliance could reshape the dynamics of the race, particularly in swing states where Kennedy’s support could influence the outcome.
Kennedy’s campaign has already faced challenges, including legal battles over ballot access and criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. The decision to either continue the campaign or align with Trump will likely have significant consequences for Kennedy’s political future and the broader electoral landscape.
“Don’t make a deal with the devil,” pleaded Kennedy supporter Kyle Kemper.
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