Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Sunday responded to the criticism he received from his wife and other members of the Kennedy family after supporting former President Trump.
Kennedy was asked about the family drama during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday” with host Shannon Bream, who referred to a letter from Kennedy’s brother posted on Friday condemning his support.
“As you know, my family is central to the Democratic Party. I have members of my family who work in the Biden administration. President Biden has a bust of my father behind the Oval Office and he’s been a family friend for many years,” Kennedy said.
“I understand that my family is troubled by my decision. I love them, and I feel like we were raised in an environment where we were encouraged to debate with each other, to argue intensely and passionately about things, and still love each other,” he added. “They are free to take their own positions on these issues. Many of my family members have worked with me on my campaign and support me.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. blasted the “mainstream media aligned with the Democratic National Committee” and accused them of orchestrating Harris’ rise.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Sunday responded to criticism of his campaign by his wife and other members of the Kennedy family after he endorsed former President Trump. (Getty Images)
“I think we all need to learn to love each other even when we disagree,” he concluded.
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Kennedy previously said his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, was not entirely on board with the move. Hines posted about her decision on social media, with Kennedy acknowledging that Hines was “deeply uncomfortable” with the decision.
In a letter released shortly after Mr Kennedy’s endorsement of Mr Trump, his siblings reiterated their support for Vice President Kamala Harris and said she had “betrayed” the family’s values.
“We want an America full of hope, united by a shared vision of a brighter future, a future defined by individual freedom, economic possibility and national pride,” said the statement signed by five brothers who are former third-party presidential candidates.
RFK Jr. said President Biden was a longtime friend of the Kennedy family. (Getty)
“We believe in Harris and Waltz,” the statement continued. “Our brother Bobby’s decision Support Trump [Friday] “This is a betrayal of our father and the values our family holds most dear. It’s a sad ending to a sad story.”
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The statement, signed by Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Courtney Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Chris Kennedy and Lori Kennedy, was shared by Joe Kennedy III, Robert F. Kennedy’s grandson, who wrote, “Well said.”
RFK Jr.’s family has voiced their support for Vice President Kamala Harris. (Reuters/Brendan McDiarmid)
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In announcing his support for Trump, RFK Jr. said the DNC has “waged an ongoing legal war” against Trump and him. He also accused the DNC of running a “sham primary” to thwart a serious challenge to President Biden before Biden won the Democratic nomination and then withdrew in July. He supported Harris.
Fox News’ Sarah Rumpf Whitten contributed to this report.
