US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued an apology after his son, Bobby Kennedy III, released a video recording of a recent private phone call with Republican contender Donald Trump. During the call, Trump sought RFK Jr.’s endorsement and discussed their shared concerns about vaccinating children. The exchange was briefly posted to social media by Bobby Kennedy III before being quickly deleted; however, screenshots captured the content.
In the video, Trump expressed his belief that the US childhood vaccination program is flawed, claiming that children are given a single dose containing multiple vaccines, which he compared to a horse-sized dosage rather than one appropriate for an infant. He then claimed this might be contributing to some observed changes in babies’ behavior and development.
Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccination stance, has been vocal about his concerns regarding children’s vaccines since prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Trump, whose administration provided funding for Covid vaccine development, had once publicly shared similar views. In 2007, he stated that he believed vaccines were responsible for causing autism due to the large amounts of inoculations administered simultaneously.
Within hours of the video’s posting, Kennedy Jr. apologized for the leak, admitting that he should have instructed his videographer to stop recording immediately upon Trump’s call. He expressed mortification over the incident and extended an apology to the president. During the conversation, Trump appeared to request RFK Jr.’s endorsement, suggesting that it would be beneficial to both parties.
In a subsequent meeting, Trump discussed the possibility of Kennedy Jr. suspending his presidential bid in favor of joining the Republican campaign. While the Kennedy campaign acknowledged this encounter took place, they stated that the two only discussed “national unity” and emphasized RFK Jr.’s commitment to remaining in the race for the presidency.
Recent polls indicate Kennedy Jr. garnering around 10% of the national vote, while Trump holds a lead over incumbent President Joe Biden by between one and six points.