Donald Trump announces an end to his political career if defeated by Kamala Harris.
At a Glance
- Trump will not seek another presidential run in 2028 if he loses the upcoming election.
- Trump has dramatically reshaped the Republican Party over the last eight years.
- Trump expressed optimism about his chances in the current election.
- Harris currently leads Trump in national polls, although narrowly in battleground states.
Trump Rules Out 2028 Presidential Run
During a comprehensive interview on “Full Measure,” Former President Donald Trump confirmed he will not pursue the presidency in 2028 if he does not prevail in the upcoming election against Kamala Harris. At 78, Trump unequivocally declared that there would be “no” subsequent campaign should he face defeat. “No, I don’t. I think that that will be, that will be it. I don’t see that at all,” Trump stated. With this interview, broadcast to 43 million households, Trump’s pivotal political decision reached a substantial audience.
Former President Trump has been a central figure in the Republican Party for three consecutive national elections, significantly influencing its direction and policies. His announcement marks a critical moment in American politics, especially given the considerable impact he has had over the last eight years. However, despite his firm stance on not running in 2028, Trump expressed hope about the immediate election. “Hopefully, we’re going to be very successful,” he remarked.
BREAKING – Trump rules out running again in 2028 if defeated in November US election https://t.co/8NG0C0cIN2
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) September 22, 2024
Polls and Election Funding
Despite Trump’s optimism, current national polling averages favor Kamala Harris. According to a CBS poll, Harris is leading Trump with a 52% to 48% advantage. In key battleground states, the lead is narrower, standing at 51% to 49% in favor of Harris. An NBC poll also showed Harris with a five percentage point lead nationally, reflecting an increase in her favorability from 32% in July to 48%. These figures illustrate a challenging electoral landscape for the former president.
Funding dynamics similarly provide a window into the competitive race. Harris’s campaign raised over $190 million in August, surpassing the $130 million raised by Trump’s team. This financial advantage may translate into broader outreach and stronger on-the-ground efforts across pivotal regions.
Legal and Historical Context
Under U.S. law, presidents cannot serve more than two terms. Thus, if Trump wins in the 2024 election, he would not be eligible for a 2028 run. Historically, Trump has been reticent about acknowledging potential defeat. However, recent comments suggest he might be contemplating the possibility. Notably, at an Israeli-American Council event, Trump controversially implied that Jewish voters would bear responsibility if he loses, causing backlash from various organizations and Harris’s campaign.
“Do they know what the hell is happening if I don’t win this election?” Trump said. “And the Jewish people would have to do a lot with that if that happens because at 40% [support] that means 60% of the people are voting for the enemy.”
The 2020 election saw Trump lose to Joe Biden, a result he did not accept, instead claiming it was “stolen” and promoting conspiracy theories. These allegations culminated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where Trump supporters sought to halt the certification of electoral results. Trump has since refused to commit to unconditionally recognizing the outcome of the forthcoming 2024 election. His recent statement could thus serve to either mobilize his base or signal a shift in his public stance toward electoral results.
