In a surprising turn of events, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, son of the late Bobby Kennedy and nephew of John F. Kennedy, has ended his independent run for the U.S. presidency and thrown his support behind Donald Trump. The decision has led to intense criticism from his own family, who view his endorsement as a “betrayal” of the values the Kennedy name has long stood for.

During a press conference in Arizona, RFK Jr announced that he would be pulling out of the presidential race in key battleground states. He explained that his presence on the ballot could act as a spoiler, swaying the election results. Kennedy cited his belief that the Democratic Party has strayed far from its original values—specifically in areas like free speech and its stance on the war in Ukraine—as reasons for his departure from the party.

RFK Jr, who had been running as an independent, said his campaign team had achieved a “miracle” by getting him on the ballot. However, he felt that the election system was not fair enough for him to win. Despite the challenges, he stated that he would continue fighting for his core issues by lending his support to Donald Trump, particularly in states where his presence could have split votes.

However, RFK Jr’s decision was not well-received by his family. His brothers and sisters publicly condemned his endorsement of Trump, calling it a betrayal of their family’s values. In a shared statement, they expressed their dismay: “Our brother Bobby’s decision to endorse Trump today is a sad ending to a sad story.” They reaffirmed their belief in hope, unity, and freedom, emphasizing their support for other candidates like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, who they feel better represent their ideals.

The Kennedy family has long been associated with Democratic politics, known for championing civil rights, justice, and equality. For them, RFK Jr’s endorsement of Trump represents a painful departure from the legacy left by their father and uncle, both of whom were assassinated while striving for a vision of a more inclusive America.

This public split between RFK Jr and the rest of the Kennedy family highlights how deeply personal values and political beliefs can impact even the closest of family ties. It serves as a reminder that in politics, especially within families as iconic as the Kennedys, loyalty to principles often trumps loyalty to one another.

While RFK Jr’s endorsement of Trump may have ended his independent presidential run, it has also ignited a passionate debate about family legacy, political allegiance, and the ongoing challenges of navigating personal and public identities.