By Eric Bradner | CNN
(CNN) — Donald Trump mentioned Tuesday he would “actually” be open to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. enjoying a job in his administration if the unbiased candidate drops out of the 2024 race and endorses the previous president.
“I like him, and I respect him,” Trump instructed CNN’s Kristen Holmes in an interview after a marketing campaign cease in Michigan.
“He’s an excellent man. He’s a really good man. I’ve identified him for a really very long time,” the Republican presidential nominee mentioned. “I didn’t know he was fascinated by getting out, but when he is considering getting out, actually I’d be open to it.”
Trump’s feedback got here after Kennedy’s operating mate, Nicole Shanahan, mentioned on a podcast posted Tuesday that the Kennedy marketing campaign is considering dropping out of the race and endorsing Trump. She described the choice as supposed to cut back “the danger” that Vice President Kamala Harris defeats Trump.
Trump mentioned he would “love that endorsement, as a result of I’ve at all times appreciated” Kennedy.
Requested if he would take into account appointing Kennedy to a job in his administration if he wins in November, Trump mentioned he “in all probability would.”
“I like him loads. I respect him loads,” Trump mentioned. “I in all probability would, if one thing like that will occur. He’s a really completely different type of a man — a really good man. And, yeah, I might be honored by that endorsement, actually.”
The previous president additionally downplayed the potential for backlash from Republicans for appointing Kennedy, who has taken a variety of progressive positions.
“I like good individuals, and Republicans like me,” Trump mentioned.
Within the interview, Trump acknowledged that the state of the 2024 race had modified since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race final month and Harris emerged because the Democratic nominee.
Nonetheless, Trump insisted that his technique and message haven’t modified.
“I’m main within the polls, however not by as a lot,” he mentioned. “However no matter that, my complete factor doesn’t change. We don’t need crime. We wish to have a powerful navy. We’ve acquired to cease medicine from coming in. We now have to cease individuals from pouring into our nation via an open border.”
The previous president additionally responded to his former chief of workers and retired Marine Gen. John Kelly, who sharply criticized Trump’s recent comments that the Presidential Medal of Freedom that honors civilians was “a lot better” than the Medal of Honor given to service members.
“No president, member of Congress, decide or political appointee — and definitely no recipient of the Presidential Medal — will ever be requested to provide life or limb to guard the Structure. The 2 awards can’t be in contrast in any method. Not even shut,” Kelly instructed CNN.
Trump described Kelly’s remarks as criticism from somebody with “an ax to grind.”
He additionally lambasted Kelly for confirming to CNN final October earlier reporting that had appeared in The Atlantic journal about Trump disparaging service members. He mentioned Kelly “was the one person who confirmed” a narrative the previous president disputed.
“I didn’t respect him. As soon as I misplaced my respect for him, as a result of I noticed that he couldn’t do the job, I fired him,” Trump mentioned. “And while you hearth individuals, they have an inclination to say detrimental issues.”
This story has been up to date with further particulars.
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