Environmental groups are actively opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign and his environmental policies, which they believe could potentially result in the re-election of former President Donald Trump. The Natural Resources Defense Council, where Kennedy previously worked as a senior attorney for many years, is planning to publish a full-page advertisement in newspapers in six battleground states urging Kennedy to drop out of the race to prevent him from acting as a spoiler for Trump. The group describes Trump as “the single worst environmental president our country has ever had.”
The ad, expected to run in states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina, is a call to action for Kennedy to prioritize the planet and its people by withdrawing from the race. Other environmental organizations have also joined in denouncing Kennedy’s climate proposals, accusing him of being a conspiracy theorist and science denier whose agenda would have detrimental effects on the environment and social progress. These groups fear that Kennedy’s candidacy could lead to the reversal of crucial environmental and social gains achieved thus far.
Kennedy, who has emphasized his past work with environmental organizations such as NRDC during his campaign, has positioned himself as a potential great environmental president. He has criticized both the Inflation Reduction Act passed under the Biden administration and Trump’s rollback of environmental regulations. In response to the criticism from environmental groups, Kennedy has argued that settling for incremental progress under the Biden administration is a mistake, and he refuses to accept the notion that his candidacy would aid Trump in defeating Biden in a potential re-election.
Despite assertions from environmental groups that Kennedy’s candidacy could have harmful consequences, he remains steadfast in his commitment to environmental causes. He has pledged to champion environmental issues and believes he can be the best environmental president in American history. Kennedy has challenged the notion that his candidacy would somehow contribute to Trump’s political success, stating that President Biden does not need his help to lose against Trump. However, environmental organizations continue to condemn Kennedy’s campaign, portraying him as a threat to environmental progress and a potential vehicle for Trump’s re-election.
The New York Times first reported on the actions taken by environmental groups against Kennedy’s candidacy and policies. These groups have raised concerns about Kennedy’s views on climate change and his rejection of scientific consensus, labeling him as a danger to communities and the planet. The letter penned by a dozen organizations accuses Kennedy of being a science denier and warns that his superficial proposals to address environmental issues mirror Trump’s approach. Despite the growing opposition from environmental advocates, Kennedy remains resolute in his campaign for president and his commitment to environmental advocacy.
