Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced his candidacy for U.S. president as an independent, dropping his bid for the Democratic nomination. Kennedy, a member of the Kennedy political family, has received criticism for promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories about COVID-19. The U.S. Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth, has called for increased congressional funds to support Israel with munitions amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. President Biden is speaking with several U.S. allies about the war. Kennedy's announcement has drawn mixed reactions from allies of Biden and former President Trump, with concerns that he may be a spoiler candidate. Kennedy aims to unite Americans and address the growing discontent with both major political parties, citing a record 63% of Americans who believe a third major party is needed. However, he faces long odds in the presidential race as an independent candidate.