Independent US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr has filed paperwork to withdraw from presidential ballots in the state of Arizona ahead of widely-speculated plan to drop out of the race entirely.
The move came as Mr Kennedy - often referred to as RFK Jr, prepared to address the nation on Friday afternoon amid mounting speculation that he will abandon his presidential ambitions and endorse Donald Trump.
A super political action committee (PAC) supporting Mr Kennedy told Reuters on Wednesday that he would seek a role within Mr Trump’s potential administration in return for the endorsement.
Earlier this week, Mr Trump said that he would “certainly be open” to Mr Kennedy having a role in Government.
"I like him, and I respect him," Mr Trump told CNN in an interview after a campaign stop in Michigan.
“He’s a brilliant guy. He’s a very smart guy. I’ve known him for a very long time," he said. "I didn’t know he was thinking about getting out, but if he is thinking about getting out, certainly I’d be open to it."
In a statement on X on Tuesday, Mr Kennedy wrote: "As always, I am willing to talk with leaders of any political party to further the goals I have served for 40 years in my career and in this campaign."
On Thursday, Mr Kennedy and his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, submitted letters to formally withdraw from the race in Arizona.
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.
He subsequently left the party to run as an independent, building a base of anti-establishment voters and vaccine sceptics.
Mr Kennedy’s own family has denounced his campaign.
In recent months, Mr Trump has described Mr Kennedy as “the most radical left candidate in the race”.
Democratic nominee Kamala Harris’ communications director Michael Tyler told MSNBC that the party would welcome Kennedy voters should the independent candidate drop out.
Mr Kennedy's support stood at 4 per cent in an Ipsos poll taken this month and pollsters believe most of his support will filter to Trump should he quit.
