Independent US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr wants a deal with Donald Trump in which he endorses the Republican rival in exchange for a job in a potential Trump administration, a super PAC supporting Mr Kennedy told Reuters on Wednesday.
Mr Kennedy's campaign said Wednesday he would address the nation on Friday in Arizona, where he will talk about "the present historical moment and his path forward."
Mr Kennedy is planning to drop out of the election and endorse Mr Trump, but that hinges on whether the Republican offers Mr Kennedy "and others" a position in the White House if elected, Larry Sharpe, outreach director with American Values 2024, told Reuters.
Trump 'open' to working with Kennedy
Mr Trump told CNN this week he would "certainly be open" to Mr Kennedy playing a role in his administration if the independent candidate drops out of the race and endorses him.
Mr Kennedy also wants Mr Trump to allow his political movement to continue in some fashion, which could include staying on the ballot in some states, Mr Sharpe said.
ABC News reported earlier on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources, that Mr Kennedy plans to drop out of the race by the end of the week and endorse Mr Trump.
Super PACs, or political action committees, can raise unlimited amounts of money for candidates but are prohibited from coordinating directly with the campaign. American Values has raised over $50 million in support of Mr Kennedy, according to Federal Election Commission filings through June 30th.
The Kennedy campaign declined to comment.
Mr Kennedy's running mate, Nicole Shanahan, told Los Angeles media company Impact Theory on Tuesday that he was considering ending his campaign to join forces with Mr Trump.
Leaked phone call
Mr Trump has previously sought Mr Kennedy's support, a phone call leaked to Reuters and other outlets in July showed.
Ms Shanahan in the interview released on Tuesday said Mr Trump had taken an interest in their healthcare policies, making it worth exploring "a unity party".
Mr Kennedy, 70, the son of late Democratic politician Robert F Kennedy and nephew of the late president John F Kennedy, started his presidential campaign as a Democrat, challenging president Joe Biden for the nomination.
An environmental advocate who has spread vaccine misinformation, Mr Kennedy has yet to qualify for the ballot in many states.
Mr Kennedy's support stood at 4 per cent in an Ipsos poll taken this month, down from 10 per cent the month before.
