US
Trump promises to release JFK assassination documents after Robert F Kennedy Jr backs him for president
Donald Trump has promised to release thousands of documents linked to the assassination of John F Kennedy, after his presidential campaign was endorsed by JFK’s nephew.
Robert F Kennedy Jr, also known as RFK Jr, was his rival in the race for the White House.
But he suspended his campaign on Friday and joined Mr Trump on stage – greeted by cheers and fireworks – to offer his support at a rally in Glendale, Arizona.
The Kennedy family has hit out at their sibling’s endorsement – describing it as a “betrayal” of their values.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump praised him for running “an extraordinary campaign” but also alluded to their differences: “We’ve been a little bit on the opposite side of the equation.”
Mr Kennedy, 70, suggested that if Mr Trump returns to the White House he would be offered a job, but no details were offered during the rally.
Pic: Reuters
Instead Mr Trump pledged that, if elected, he would establish “a new independent presidential commission on assassination attempts” which would review the attempt on his life in Pennsylvania on 13 July.
He added the commission would also be required to release all of the remaining documents linked to the assassination of Mr Kennedy’s uncle, President John F Kennedy, in 1963.
Roughly 4,700 files tied to the case remain partially or heavily redacted more than 60 years later.
Mr Kennedy is also the son of Senator Bobby Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 while running for the White House.
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During a unifying speech, Mr Trump also promised to establish a panel to investigate chronic health problems and childhood diseases including autism, autoimmune disorders and obesity.
Those were among the key campaigning issues for Mr Kennedy, who took to the stage to explain why he was backing Mr Trump.
Mr Kennedy explained that free speech, the war in Ukraine, agricultural and foreign policy are areas of common ground.
He spoke about corruption – among US corporate bodies and particularly regulators – as well as the fight against censorship.
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RFK Jr endorses Trump in US election
Meanwhile, Mr Trump offered more praise describing him as “brilliant”, adding “I know because he also went after me a couple of times… I didn’t like it. I think he’s going to have a huge influence on this campaign”.
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But Mr Kennedy is only removing his name from ballots in swing states, saying his supporters could continue to back him where they are unlikely to sway the outcome.
He claimed his internal polls showed his presence in the race would hurt Mr Trump and help Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
But recent public polls do not provide a clear indication that he is having a big impact on support for either major party candidate.