Aug 20, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Trump says he's open to appointing RFK Jr. to administration role

Erin Doherty

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump holds a round table discussion with Black business owners before his rally at the Georgia State University Convocation Center on August 03, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. — Republican presidential nominee, former President Trump, in Atlanta, Georgia, earlier this month. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The prospect of a Robert F. Kennedy Jr. alliance with former President Trump suddenly looks much more real.

Why it matters: Trump told CNN he "probably" would give RFK a role in his administration if the independent candidate quits the 2024 race and endorses the Republican nominee.

"I like him, and I respect him," Trump said to CNN's Kristen Holmes after RFK Jr.'s running mate Nicole Shanahan said the campaign is considering dropping its bid and joining forces with Trump.

Zoom in: "He's a brilliant guy. He's a very smart guy," Trump said.

"I've known him for a very long time. I didn't know he was thinking about getting out, but if he is thinking about getting out, certainly I'd be open to it."

The intrigue: One Kennedy backer called off a fundraiser next month in Utah after Shanahan's interview, NBC reports.

The bottom line: Kennedy exiting the race would likely help Trump, who tends to perform worse in polls when third-party candidates are included.

Go deeper: RFK Jr. struggles in upended 2024 race

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Trump says he's open to appointing RFK Jr. to administration role

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