Screenshots / YouTube, NBC News, Cropped by Resist the Mainstream

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy has officially announced his pick for VP, and people are both surprised and concerned by the nominee's “far-left” background.

Kennedy announced Nicole Shanahan, a millionaire Silicon Valley lawyer and tech entrepreneur, as his running mate on Tuesday.

Many were expecting someone different, however, considering reports were circulating earlier this month that Kennedy's vice presidential shortlist had included considerations of New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, former professional wrestler and Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura. Former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii was also allegedly in the running.

Kennedy introduced Shanahan during a campaign event in Oakland, California, highlighting her expertise in technology and her commitment to addressing societal challenges.

Shanahan's entrance onto the political stage marks a significant shift in her political affiliation, as she declared her departure from the Democratic Party during the event. Expressing disillusionment with the party's direction, Shanahan voiced her support for Kennedy's independent candidacy, emphasizing his dedication to peace and poverty alleviation.

The life-long Democrat told the crowd that she was leaving the party on Tuesday.

“The Democratic Party is supposed to be the party of compassion. It is supposed to be the party of free speech, and most importantly, the party of the middle class and the American dream,” Shanahan said.

“While I know many Democrats still abide by those values…I do believe they've lost their way in their leadership,” she argued.

Shanahan was reportedly hesitant to join forces with Kennedy initially because of his decision to run as an independent. However, her renewed support was demonstrated through a substantial financial contribution to a super PAC supporting the presidential hopeful's campaign, which notably aired a Kennedy-themed ad during the Super Bowl.

Criticism of Kennedy and Shanahan's partnership has emerged from Trump-aligned groups, in addition to other conservative circles, characterizing Kennedy as a “far-left radical” and Shanahan as a “Biden donor leftist.” 

“This is a far-left pick by RFK, who is apparently looking to shore up his progressive bona fides,” TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk said on X. “Major red flag for commonsense independents and centrist voters who are also sick of rising crime but intrigued by his campaign.”

“RFK Jr. is the most Radical Left Candidate in the race, by far. He’s a big fan of the Green New Scam, and other economy killing disasters. I guess this would mean he is going to be taking votes from Crooked Joe Biden, which would be a great service to America,” former president Trump remarked on Truth Social. “His running mate, Nicole Shanahan, is even more “Liberal” than him, if that’s possible.”

Shanahan previously donated to Democratic presidential candidates Marianne Williamson and Pete Buttigieg during the 2020 presidential race. She also contributed over $150,000 to support progressive Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon's 2020 election campaign, Fox News reports.

She is the founder and president of Bia-Echo Foundation, a private firm that describes its mission as focused on “new frontiers in reproductive longevity & equality, criminal justice reform and a healthy & livable planet.”

Shanahan previously married Google co-founder Sergey Brin, but their marriage ended amid reports of her affair with Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk, allegations denied by both parties.