Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent presidential campaign is facing financial challenges as recent filings show the campaign spent more than it raised in July.

According to a report by The Independent, the campaign's spending outweighed donations, raising concerns about its sustainability as the November election approaches.

Adding to the campaign's troubles, Kennedy's running mate, Nicole Shanahan, admitted they are considering joining forces with Donald Trump.

This revelation has reportedly caused significant damage to the campaign's fundraising efforts, with at least one major donor canceling a planned event.

Campaign Finance Struggles And Limited Resources

Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings reveal that Kennedy's campaign spent over $7 million in July while only bringing in approximately $5.6 million. At the end of the month, the campaign had $3.9 million cash on hand but owed $3.4 million, indicating a precarious financial situation.

Shanahan herself has been a significant contributor to the campaign, donating roughly $2.5 million in July alone. FEC records show she has consistently provided substantial financial support to Kennedy's presidential bid.

In an effort to reduce expenses, Kennedy has shifted away from in-person rallies, opting instead for digital events such as live streams on social media platforms and podcast appearances.

Ballot Access Challenges And Polling Concerns

Kennedy's campaign is facing additional hurdles beyond its financial constraints. The independent candidate is struggling to secure ballot access in several states, with legal challenges already arising in New York and potentially in Georgia.

Furthermore, polling numbers suggest Kennedy's unfavorability rating is on the rise as more controversial stories from his past come to light. These factors combined are putting increased pressure on the campaign's viability.

Jeff Hays, a significant contributor who has donated more than $300,000 to Kennedy's campaign, told ABC News that he was disappointed with Shanahan's remarks on possibly aligning with Trump. Hays mentioned that these comments had severely impacted fundraising efforts and confirmed that he had canceled the fundraising event for Kennedy, which was scheduled for next month.

Potential Alliances And Campaign Strategy

In light of these challenges, Kennedy's campaign appears to be exploring various options to remain competitive. Shanahan outlined two potential strategies during an appearance on the podcast Impact Theory:

There's two options that we're looking at. One is staying in, forming that new party but we run the risk of a Kamala Harris and Walz presidency because we draw votes from Trump. Or we walk away right now and join forces with Donald Trump.

This admission has sparked speculation about Kennedy's future in the race and his potential willingness to negotiate with other campaigns.

Conclusion

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign is facing significant financial and strategic challenges as the election draws nearer. With campaign spending outpacing donations, ballot access issues in multiple states, and his running mate publicly discussing the possibility of joining forces with Trump, Kennedy's path forward as an independent candidate appears increasingly uncertain. The coming weeks will likely be crucial in determining the viability and direction of his presidential bid.