Internet wonders if RFK Jr's campaign is 'imploding' after contractor is arrested for alleged assault

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In yet another blow for Robert F Kennedy Jr's independent presidential campaign, Trent Pool, a pivotal figure in the effort to secure ballot access across all 50 states, was arrested in New York City on Saturday, May 4, for allegedly assaulting a woman.

The incident has added to the mounting challenges facing Kennedy's bid for the presidency.

Incident and allegations

According to the New York City Police Department, Pool, 37, allegedly assaulted a 25-year-old woman by wrapping his hand around her neck and striking her with a closed fist. The victim, who refused medical attention at the scene, recounted the incident to law enforcement officials.

"Mr Pool wrapped his hand around [the woman's] neck, making it hard for her to breathe, and then struck her with a closed fist, causing pain," an NYPD spokesperson stated, relaying the victim's account.

Pool, whose company Accelevate 2020 received substantial funding from the Kennedy campaign in March, denies the allegations.

"Mr. Trent Pool is innocent of all charges, and we look forward to demonstrating so in Court," his lawyer, Gregory Esposito asserted in a statement provided to ABC News. "In over 37 years of Trent’s life, my client has never been indicted or convicted of any violence of any kind."

A Kennedy spokesperson addressed the allegations, stating, "The alleged incident never occurred," and referred inquiries to Pool's legal representation.

Despite these challenges, Kennedy's campaign has succeeded in gaining ballot access in at least 10 states. However, concerns persist, particularly regarding the pivotal swing states where access to the ballot could profoundly impact the election's outcome.

Social media backlash

The incident involving Pool has elicited criticism on social media surrounding Kennedy's candidacy.

"Who actually likes this guy??" one posted on X.

"Is his campaign imploding this week or what," another wrote.

"Its feeling like bad actors are running out of people willing to work for them," someone else chimed in.

"Wowzers. Not a good look," another added.

Previous controversies

Pool's arrest is not an isolated incident within Kennedy's campaign. Last month, the campaign severed ties with another contractor, Rita Palma, following controversy over her remarks in a video encouraging voters to support Kennedy as a means to oppose President Joe Biden and potentially re-elect former President Donald Trump.

Palma falsely presented herself as the campaign's New York state director while addressing a crowd in New York at an event unconnected to the campaign, according to statements from the Kennedy campaign and circulating online videos of the incident.

"We terminated her contract for misrepresentation immediately upon seeing the longer video in which she gave an inaccurate job title and described a conversation that did not happen," Campaign manager Amaryllis Fox wrote on X, referring to Palma.

"My time with Team Kennedy has been one of the best political adventures of my life filled with some of the best people I've encountered, and I have encountered many," Palma told ABC News following her termination. "I hold no ill will and look forward to the next seven months of watching Bobby shine," she added.

The Kennedy campaign has also faced heightened scrutiny this week following a report published by the Wall Street Journal. The report, based on interviews with current and former staff members, quoted at least one staff member who characterized the campaign as being infiltrated by individuals described as "grifters and opportunists."  

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