"I'll Give You One Seat"... Independent Kennedy Discusses Resignation with Trump

Phone Call Immediately After Trump Assassination Attempt
Health and Medical Policy Position Considered as Resignation Compensation
Agreement Not Reached Due to Trump Aide Opposition

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as an independent candidate in the U.S. presidential election, reportedly discussed a deal to receive a position in the Trump administration in exchange for supporting former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, according to The Washington Post (WP) on the 22nd (local time).

According to the report, the two communicated just hours after the assassination attempt on former President Trump on the 13th, discussing Kennedy Jr.'s potential mid-campaign withdrawal and cabinet appointments. Former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson reportedly facilitated the exchange of contact information.

[Image source=Getty Images Yonhap News]

WP cited sources saying that a plan for Kennedy Jr. to take a position overseeing health and medical policy was discussed, but the agreement did not materialize due to opposition from Trump’s aides. Kennedy Jr. has previously sparked controversy by promoting conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines.

Daniel Alvarez, a spokesperson for former President Trump, emphasized, "The conversation between the two is not significantly different from the meetings Trump often has with major figures in business and politics," adding, "They all know that former President Trump will be the next president of the United States."

In an interview with WP on the same day, Kennedy Jr. explained, "I am willing to talk with anyone, regardless of party affiliation, who wants to discuss ways to end the chronic disease epidemic and child health," noting that former President Trump showed a more open attitude than the Democratic National Committee (DNC). He added, "No one from the DNC has contacted me in the past 18 months, but I respect that former President Trump reached out to me first," and stated that he plans to continue his presidential campaign.

Until now, Kennedy Jr. has publicly criticized both President Joe Biden, who recently withdrew from the Democratic presidential race, and former President Trump. Sources said that while Trump pushed back against Kennedy Jr., he also found him interesting. Kennedy Jr. has so far recorded less than 15% support in most multi-candidate polls and appears to be siphoning votes at similar levels from both former President Trump and President Biden.