RFK Jr.'s Campaign Enlists GOP Operative Critical of Jan. 6 Riot
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent presidential bid has taken an unexpected turn with the hiring of Zach Henry, a former spokesperson for hard-right Republican figures, raising eyebrows and inviting scrutiny over his controversial past remarks, particularly regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Records from Kennedy's campaign finance reveal the enlistment of Zach Henry's firm Total Virality for "influencer engagement" in March, shortly after Republican Vivek Ramaswamy exited the presidential race. Henry, who previously served as Ramaswamy's deputy communications director, has a history of provocative statements, including dismissing the Capitol riot as "Democrat misdirection," aligning with the conspiracy theory that the event was instigated by left-wing agitators.
Henry's social media activity has drawn attention for its incendiary content, with posts disparaging the House committee investigation into the Capitol attack as a "witch hunt" and expressing skepticism towards vaccine mandates. His endorsement of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones further underscores his controversial affiliations.
Kennedy's decision to bring Henry on board marks a departure from conventional political strategy, as the independent candidate has faced challenges in attracting seasoned political operatives. While Kennedy's campaign remains tight-lipped about the hiring, it signals a willingness to embrace unorthodox tactics in a bid to gain traction.
However, Henry's appointment adds to a series of missteps by Kennedy's team, including a recent disavowal of a fundraising email sympathetic to January 6 activists. Despite efforts to distance themselves from controversial messaging, the campaign has struggled to maintain a cohesive narrative, drawing attention to Kennedy's own stance on the Capitol riot.
Kennedy's views on January 6 have come under scrutiny, with his questioning of the treatment of defendants and calls for a special prosecutor raising concerns among both Democrats and Republicans. Critics fear that Kennedy's candidacy could disrupt the electoral landscape, potentially siphoning votes from mainstream contenders.
The dynamics surrounding Kennedy's campaign underscore broader tensions within the political landscape, with both major parties intensifying attacks on the independent candidate. Trump and his allies depict Kennedy as a leftist environmental radical, while Democrats portray him as a Trojan horse for the former president, highlighting his support from conservative donors and his ambiguous stance on critical issues.
Henry's background as a communications strategist for libertarian-leaning conservative figures reflects a growing trend of online activism within the GOP, characterized by provocative rhetoric and confrontational tactics. His association with figures like Ramaswamy and Masters underscores his role in shaping right-wing messaging, a skill set that could prove influential in Kennedy's unconventional campaign.
As the race unfolds, Kennedy's alliance with Henry raises questions about the direction of his campaign and its potential impact on the broader political landscape. With the election looming, observers closely monitor developments within Kennedy's camp, anticipating further twists and turns in the months ahead.
