Former President Donald Trump is slated to be a headline speaker at the Libertarian National Convention scheduled to take place later this month in Washington, DC. This marks a notable shift as Trump will be the first major-party candidate to address a convention outside of the traditional Democratic or Republican parties. His participation is raising concerns across the political spectrum about the influence of third-party candidates in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

Trump, in a statement released by the party on Twitter, expressed his honor in aligning with the Libertarian party, which he described as comprising independent and thoughtful thinkers dedicated to advancing freedom and liberty for every American. This move is significant as it reflects the Libertarian party’s recent shift towards pro-Trump and rightward ideologies.

This development coincides with increased interest in third-party candidates, as highlighted by a recent CNN national poll. The poll indicates that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., another candidate with backing from pro-Trump figures, holds 16% in a theoretical matchup against Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Kennedy, who confirmed his run as an independent candidate, adds to the dynamic changes in American political alignments as the 2024 election approaches.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has faced criticism from within his own party for his recent calls for “law and order” in response to protests on college campuses. His stance, which emphasizes a return to normalcy and places a priority on maintaining order, has been perceived as a move towards traditional Democratic values rather than the progressive change some supporters hoped for. While his presidency has seen accomplishments like significant climate legislation and student debt cancellation, these actions have not fully mitigated the disillusionment among younger and more progressive voters. This sentiment stems from Biden’s handling of various domestic issues such as the Gaza conflict and student demonstrations, reflecting his broader focus on maintaining stability and continuity in governance.