Independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr apologized to Donald Trump on Tuesday following the public release of a phone call between them, where Trump made unusual comments about vaccines and babies, and appeared to discuss a potential political arrangement with Kennedy.
Kennedy expressed regret over the video’s posting, stating, “When President Trump called me, I was being recorded by an in-house videographer. I should have immediately stopped the recording. I deeply apologize to the president.”
The call, made before their meeting at the Republican national convention in Milwaukee, was shared online by Kennedy’s son, Bobby Kennedy III, who emphasized his belief in transparency in such discussions.
The conversation touched on Trump’s views on vaccinations, a topic Kennedy has raised concerns about in the past.
Kennedy, known for promoting vaccine-related conspiracy theories, engaged in a brief exchange with Trump about vaccine safety and administration practices.
Trump, referencing the pandemic era and his distrust of certain medical advice, expressed agreement with Kennedy’s skepticism towards vaccination protocols.
The video, just over one minute and forty seconds long, captured Kennedy in a dimly lit room speaking with Trump on speakerphone. The call also included Trump’s reflections on a recent assassination attempt on him and his political perspectives on gun control.
Kennedy’s son, in releasing the recording, also criticized public health figures like Anthony Fauci and implied political strategies involving his father in national leadership roles.
Kennedy’s campaign clarified that their meeting with Trump aimed at discussing national unity and stressed Kennedy’s intention to engage with leaders across party lines, despite ongoing speculation about his impact on the upcoming presidential race.
