Politics
RFK Jr. Rejects 2028 Run, Calls Rumors a ‘Flat-Out Lie’
By Jake Beardslee · August 15, 2025
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has rejected speculation that he is planning a 2028 presidential campaign, describing the rumors as a “flat-out lie.”
Kennedy’s statement comes in response to claims from far-right commentator Laura Loomer, who has also leveled criticism at Kennedy’s senior aide, Stephanie Spear, questioning her alignment with President Donald Trump’s agenda.
In a series of posts on X, Kennedy accused Washington insiders of attempting to fracture his relationship with Trump. “The swamp is in full panic mode,” he wrote. “DC lobby shops are laboring fiercely to drive a wedge between President Trump and me, hoping to thwart our team from dismantling the status quo and advancing @POTUS’ Make America Healthy Again agenda. They’re pushing the flat-out lie that I’m running for president in 2028. Let me be clear: I am not running for president in 2028.”
Kennedy emphasized his continued commitment to Trump, saying: “My loyalty is to President Trump and the mission we’ve started. Their attacks on my staff, especially Stefanie Spear — a fierce, loyal warrior for MAHA who proudly serves in the Trump Administration and works every day to advance President Trump’s vision for a healthier, stronger America — are proof we’re over the target.”
He added that the administration remains focused on policy priorities, claiming, “President Trump is delivering on every promise beyond my wildest dreams — ending war, protecting free speech, rebuilding American industry and the American middle class, delivering transparency and gold standard science, and breaking the grip of entrenched interests.”
Kennedy also framed his partnership with Trump as the fulfillment of a personal mission, posting: “The president has made himself the answer to my 20-year prayer that God would put me in a position to end the chronic disease epidemic — and that’s exactly what my team and I will do until the day he leaves office.”
Tony Lyons, head of the pro-Kennedy MAHA PAC, echoed that message, telling The Hill: “The story that Secretary Kennedy was running for president was a made up story. There’s no truth to it whatsoever.”
The remarks arrive as early maneuvering for 2028 intensifies. On the Republican side, Trump has identified Vice President JD Vance as the “most likely” successor to his political movement. A recent Emerson College poll found Vance gaining support in North Carolina, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Secretary of State Marco Rubio trailing behind.
Kennedy reaffirmed that his focus will remain on advancing Trump’s health agenda and serving as health secretary until the president leaves office.