Security Shakeup: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Denied Secret Service Protection

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. loses Secret Service protection after suspending his presidential bid and endorsing former President Donald Trump.

At a Glance

Kennedy suspended his third-party presidential campaign and endorsed Trump
Secret Service protection ended following his decision to leave the race
Kennedy cited free speech, Ukraine war, and “war on our children” as reasons for his decision
His family members criticized the endorsement as a betrayal of their values
Kennedy plans to remove his name from battleground state ballots but remain on less competitive ones

Kennedy’s Campaign Suspension and Trump Endorsement

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., scion of the Kennedy political dynasty, has made a surprising move by suspending his third-party presidential bid and endorsing former President Donald Trump. This decision marks a significant shift in the political landscape and has led to the termination of his Secret Service protection.

Kennedy’s press secretary, Stefanie Spear, confirmed the end of his protection, stating, “Mr. Kennedy no longer has USSS.” The Secret Service also verified this information, with a representative saying, “That’s correct. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is no longer receiving US Secret Service protection.”

Reasons Behind Kennedy’s Decision

Kennedy’s decision to endorse Trump came after realizing there was no viable path to the White House for his campaign. He cited several reasons for his choice, including concerns over free speech, the war in Ukraine, and what he termed as “a war on our children.” These issues, he claimed, were the principal causes that persuaded him to leave the Democratic Party and ultimately support Trump.

“These are the principal causes that persuaded me to leave the Democratic Party and run as an independent, and now to throw my support to President Trump,” Kennedy said at his event in Phoenix.

Kennedy’s internal polls suggested his presence in the race would hurt Trump and help Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, which likely influenced his decision to step aside. Recent public polls showed Kennedy’s support in the mid-single digits, with some evidence suggesting his continued candidacy might have impacted Trump more than Harris.

Family Reactions and Political Implications

The Kennedy family, long associated with the Democratic Party, has reacted strongly to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s endorsement of Trump. Five family members issued a statement calling his support for Trump “a sad ending to a sad story” and reiterating their support for Harris.

Five of Kennedy’s family members issued a statement Friday calling his support for Trump “a sad ending to a sad story” and reiterating their support for Harris.

This family division underscores the political tension Kennedy’s decision has created. His departure from traditional Kennedy family politics has been stark, with one longtime friend quoted in The New Yorker saying, “It’s almost like he’s been body-snatched. I look at pictures of him, and he’s unrecognizable. His sense of humor is all but gone. There’s this anger.”

Security Concerns and Future Plans

The termination of Kennedy’s Secret Service protection raises questions about his security, given his family history and recent threats. Kennedy had previously lobbied for protection due to various security scares, with his legal team claiming evidence of 34 threats or concerning screeds against him.

As for his political future, Kennedy plans to remove his name from ballots in battleground states while remaining on those in less competitive states. There are hints of a potential role in a future Trump administration, with Kennedy’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, suggesting he could join as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Kennedy’s decision to suspend his campaign rather than terminate it entirely leaves the door open for future political moves. As the political landscape continues to shift, the impact of Kennedy’s endorsement and his future role in American politics remain subjects of keen interest and speculation.