At the Libertarian National Convention on Friday, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed his opponent, Donald Trump, in his hour-long speech to the party’s voters. Kennedy criticized Trump’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kennedy, who is firmly anti-vax, blamed the former president for closing down businesses and violating individual liberties by enforcing mask mandates.

Kennedy Jr. also criticized Operation Warp Speed, a federal program to develop Covid-19 vaccines during the height of the pandemic. Trump announced the program in May 2020 and has previously taken credit for his efforts to distribute a vaccine. Kennedy claimed Trump “caved into bureaucrats,” insinuating Trump’s efforts were another political ploy.

“He got rolled by his bureaucrats. He caved in, and many of our most fundamental rights practically disappeared overnight,” Kennedy said. Kennedy received a standing ovation for his comments.

Trump will address the Libertarian convention in his Saturday speech to its voters. Political commentators speculate Trump may try to sway Libertarian voters to his campaign, drawing votes away from Kennedy.

Trump previously accused Kennedy Jr. of being a “fake anti-vaxxer” and also said his views were “politically calculated” to attract anti-vax voters.

Kennedy touched on other subjects, such as the pardoning of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Kennedy claimed that he would pardon Assange and Edward Snowden, who released confidential government information if elected into office. He further emphasized his goal to protect Americans’ free speech.

Kennedy’s speech did not mention his other presidential opponent, current President Joe Biden, as often as Trump. Kennedy Jr. also criticized Biden’s Covid-19 mandates but did not discuss them as heavily as Trump. 

Kennedy recently revealed that a worm had eaten part of his brain years ago.

Read more about:
Ann Hoang

Article by Ann Hoang

Leave a comment

Subscribe to the uInterview newsletter