Secret Service Protection Halted for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Why Now?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. loses Secret Service protection after endorsing Trump and suspending his presidential bid.

At a Glance

Secret Service ends protection for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following his campaign suspension
Kennedy endorses former President Donald Trump, citing no viable path to the White House
Decision raises questions about Secret Service protection criteria for high-profile individuals
Kennedy’s family criticizes his endorsement of Trump as a betrayal of their values
Multiple investigations ongoing into recent Secret Service lapses, including Trump assassination attempt

Kennedy’s Unexpected Political Shift

In a surprising turn of events, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suspended his third-party presidential bid and endorsed former President Donald Trump. This decision has not only stirred controversy within his family but has also led to the termination of his Secret Service protection. Kennedy’s press secretary, Stefanie Spear, confirmed the change, stating simply, “Mr. Kennedy no longer has USSS.”

Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump came after he concluded there was no viable path to the White House for his campaign. He plans to remove his name from ballots in battleground states while remaining on those in less competitive areas. This move has shocked many, particularly given the Kennedy family’s long-standing association with the Democratic Party.

Security Concerns and Secret Service Decision

The cessation of Secret Service protection for Kennedy raises significant questions about the criteria used to allocate and terminate security for high-profile individuals. Kennedy had previously lobbied for protection, citing various security threats and referencing his family’s tragic history of political assassinations.

“These are the principal causes that persuaded me to leave the Democratic Party and run as an independent, and now to throw my support to President Trump,” Kennedy said at his event in Phoenix.

The decision to end Kennedy’s protection comes at a time when the Secret Service is under intense scrutiny. A recent assassination attempt against Trump during a rally in Butler, Pa., resulted in the death of a firefighter and injuries to two others, prompting multiple investigations into the agency’s protocols and decision-making processes.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his third-party presidential bid last week and endorsed former President Donald Trump, has lost his Secret Service protection following the decision to leave the race, his campaign said. https://t.co/sclufuy7jE

— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 25, 2024

Family Reaction and Political Implications

Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump has created a rift within his family, with several members publicly criticizing his decision. Five family members issued a statement calling his support for Trump “a sad ending to a sad story” and reaffirming their support for the Democratic nominee.

“It’s almost like he’s been body-snatched,” one longtime friend said. “I look at pictures of him, and he’s unrecognizable. His sense of humor is all but gone. There’s this anger.”

Kennedy’s political shift has broader implications for the upcoming election. Recent polls showed his support in the mid-single digits, with some evidence suggesting his presence in the race could have hurt Trump more than the Democratic nominee. His decision to endorse Trump and remove himself from key battleground states could potentially impact the electoral landscape.

Looking Ahead

As Kennedy transitions out of his role as a presidential candidate, questions remain about his future political involvement and personal security. His endorsement of Trump hints at potential collaboration, with speculation about a possible role in a future Trump administration. Meanwhile, the termination of his Secret Service protection raises concerns about his safety, given the historical context of his family and the current political climate.

The situation surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign suspension, Trump endorsement, and loss of Secret Service protection highlights the complex interplay between politics, security, and family legacy in American public life. As the election season progresses, the impact of these developments on both the political landscape and Kennedy’s personal journey remains to be seen.