Former President Donald Trump met with Robert F. Kennedy Jr in Milwaukee on Monday to try and convince the independent presidential candidate to endorse him, a new report says.
The main purpose of the sit-down, which unfolded ahead of the Republican National Convention, was so Trump, 78, could float the idea of Kennedy, 70, backing his 2024 campaign, Politico reported, citing multiple sources.
Kennedy confirmed the meeting took place — while stressing he’s still in the race for the White House.
“Lots of rumors going around about my meeting this morning with President Trump,” the independent candidate wrote on X.
“Our main topic was national unity, and I hope to meet with Democratic leaders about that as well.
“No, I am not dropping out of the race,” Kennedy stated.
Kennedy has about 9.3% support in national polls, according to an average of recent surveys by RealClearPolitics.
He is currently trailing behind Trump at 43.1% and President Biden at 38.8%, the surveys show.
News of the meeting came the same day Biden finally granted Kennedy Secret Service protection for the duration of his campaign following Trump’s assassination attempt.
Kennedy had already requested the protection but had been rebuffed — even though his uncle President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 and his father, then-presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, was fatally shot in 1968.
Meanwhile, Kennedy revealed he immediately reached out to Trump in the wake of Saturday’s horror.
“I sent a message out, a note out to President Trump tonight and to his family, telling him how relieved I am that he was not more than badly injured, wishing him quick recovery, thanking him for his career during that event, which was inspirational,” Kennedy said in a Fox News appearance just hours after the shooting.
“I really hope that President Biden reaches out to President Trump and offers him a podium somewhere with the two of these men and reassure the nation… to make an effort to change the tone of this campaign, so that we all can sort of inspire us all to start being kind to each other,” he added at the time.