He emphasized the need for the country to act as a moral leader on the global stage, as reported by American Military News.
Kennedy Jr. proposed a radical shift in the nation's budget allocation, advocating for a 50% cut in the U.S. military budget within his first three years in office. He suggested that the savings could be redirected towards domestic programs and economic development. "In the end, we're going to have a stronger, smarter, better-targeted national defense," Kennedy stated. He further argued that investing these savings in rebuilding the nation would reverse the constant drain on the country's vitality caused by excessive military spending.
The speech was delivered at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, where Kennedy Jr. joined a series of speakers, including former Vice President Mike Pence and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, as part of the Presidential Policy Perspectives series. The candidate, who has previously expressed disappointment over the lack of a significant shift in government funding towards domestic affairs following the easing of tensions with the former Soviet Union, faced criticism for his proposed defense budget cuts.
WATCH: CNN HOST MELTS DOWN ON AIR
Matt Corridoni, a Democratic National Committee spokesperson, responded to Kennedy's speech by stating, "With Russia, North Korea, and the Chinese Communist Party all watching, RFK Jr. is more than eager to peddle Kremlin talking points. Just like Donald Trump, he can't be trusted to stand up for allies and against totalitarianism."
WATCH: THE HYPOCRISY BEHIND CALLING TRUMP A DICTATOR
Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer, urged the audience to learn from the leadership styles of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and Nixon. He argued that both presidents understood the importance of projecting American power through moral leadership and economic initiatives, rather than military force.
ABORTION DEBATE HEATS UP: KAMALA HARRIS BEGS ARIZONA TO VOTE FOR BIDEN
Drawing a comparison with China's foreign policy, Kennedy Jr. praised the Asian giant for its focus on economic development in Africa, South America, and other regions, rather than military expansion. He argued that China's approach of projecting economic power has won it friends and influence globally, while America's "forever wars" have made enemies and left the country bankrupt.
HISTORIC RULING SHAKES ISRAEL: ULTRA-ORTHODOX JEWS ORDERED TO JOIN IDF
Kennedy Jr. contended that the United States needs to relinquish its ambition to dominate the world. He suggested that by doing so, the country would paradoxically rise to a position of primacy on the global stage. However, despite his claims of qualifying for the ballot in enough states to win the presidency, at least 10 states have not certified his candidacy. Most analysts still view him as a long-shot candidate.
EXPLOSIVE: FEC RECORDS REVEAL DNC'S MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR LEGAL ASSAULT ON TRUMP
The presidential hopeful has faced criticism for his controversial views, particularly on vaccines and COVID-19 mandates. Despite this, he was warmly received by the audience, which included his supporters, museum members, and members of the general public.
WHAT A DISGRACE! WHOOPI GOLDBERG TAKES THINGS A LITTLE TOO FAR WITH THIS GESTURE...
Kennedy Jr. painted a grim picture of America's impact on the world, suggesting that U.S. aggression had triggered massive instability following wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He argued that these conflicts had forced millions of migrants into Europe, destabilizing Western democracies.
WATCH: CAUGHT ON CAMERA, YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT THIS ELECTION WORKER STEALS
Defense Department data shows that the share of gross domestic product devoted to defense has declined in recent years. However, the U.S. still outspends other nations, including other global powers. Kennedy Jr.'s website states, "Even as its military technology has reigned supreme, America has been hollowing out from the inside. We cannot be a strong or secure nation when our infrastructure, industry, society, and economy are infirm."
TRUMP’S FREEDOM ON THE LINE: WHAT ONE JUDGE’S RULING COULD MEAN FOR THE FORMER PRESIDENT
Kennedy Jr. called for the United States to end its "imperial project" and to focus on rebuilding its crumbling cities, antiquated railways, failing water systems, decaying infrastructure, and ailing economy. He warned of "an epidemic of chronic disease, a plague of addiction and historic economic inequality" and stressed the need for sensible spending habits to strengthen the dollar and lower out-of-control deficits.
Kennedy Jr. concluded his speech by stating, "As long as America was the unchallenged global superpower … we were like a teenage bully on a playground of third-graders. We could make the rules for everyone else. But now the third-graders are onto our bluster and no longer frightened." This statement underscores his belief that the U.S. must change its approach to maintain its global standing.
