During an interview with The Intelligencer, 45th U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he has already made a decision about the 2024 presidential election. As hinted at by Trump, the announcement is a matter of when, not if.
Trump’s recent interview happened in Bedminster, New Jersey, where Trump maintains a golf club and private estate. He goes there when the weather in Palm Beach is not that favorable. Following a rally in Alaska, Trump noted that he is extremely optimistic.
He said that his fans were particularly adoring, giving him more love “than I’ve ever had before.”
Trump had recently been in Anchorage on behalf of Sarah Palin and Kelly Tshibaka, two candidates that have earned the 45th President’s personal endorsement. As noted by Trump, however, his recent trips and rallies were also a way to gauge how he fares with his base. And based on what he’s seen so far, he seems to still have a lot of support.
“Look, I feel very confident that, if I decide to run, I’ll win,” Trump said.
When prodded further, Trump revealed that he had already made a decision — and one that would likely be final. Trump did not reveal what his decision was, but he did note that since he’s made it, “nothing factors in anymore.” The only thing that matters really now is when he’d make an announcement about his decision.
“Well, in my own mind, I’ve already made that decision, so nothing factors in anymore. In my own mind, I’ve already made that decision,” Trump said.
“I would say my big decision will be whether I go before or after. You understand what that means? Midterms. Do I go before or after? That will be my big decision,” Trump added.
That’s all but a confirmation that yes, Donald Trump is indeed coming back for his third attempt at the U.S. presidency. His record so far — one win and one loss — though the latter is questionable at best. The 2024 presidential election is the tie-breaker, the ultimate test of Trump’s political strength and influence.
The 45th U.S. President elaborated further, thinking aloud but still being somewhat secretive. Trump did say, however, that he believes his supporters want him to run.
“I just think that there are certain assets to before. Let people know. I think a lot of people would not even run if I did that because, if you look at the polls, they don’t even register. Most of these people. And I think that you would actually have a backlash against them if they ran. People want me to run,” Trump said.
When asked about other notable Republicans who might be running against him, Trump was unmoved. Even when the subject of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was brought up, Trump cooly noted that it was his endorsement that brought DeSantis some of his key political victories. Trump clarified that he does not see DeSantis as a rival.
“I don’t feel that,” Trump said, “I endorsed Ron, he was at 3, and as soon as I endorsed him, he went to first place. He was not gonna win. I meant when he ran for governor, as you know, he was running, and then he came to me for an endorsement because he was not, you know, he was at 3 percent.”
With his blessing, Trump explained, “the race was over, and I think Ron knows that better than anybody. We have a good relationship, and, there may be some others soon, but that’s okay,” Trump said.
Summing up his thoughts in the interview, Trump noted that there are certain things that can only be done from the Oval Office. He also explained that he has made America great again in the past, so he can definitely do it again.
“Nothing compares to getting things done that you can’t do from any other position other than president. I made America great again, and I may have to do it again,” Trump concluded.