How Will RFK Jr.’s Backing of Trump Impact the Presidential Election?

Opinions vary on whether Kennedy suspending his campaign in select states will benefit the former president, help Harris, or have minimal impact.

Former President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump (R) welcomes onstage Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (L) during a campaign rally at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on Aug. 23, 2024. Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images

In a presidential race that could be decided by a slim margin in a handful of swing states, the campaigns and supporters of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are battling to secure every possible advantage, with Election Day a little more than two months away.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his independent presidential bid in 10 battleground states and urged his supporters in those states to vote for Trump, could still appear on the ballot in as many as 40 states and the District of Columbia.