David Rosenberg(A7)
Former President Donald Trump has made up his mind whether or not he will run for president in 2024, and all that remains is the timing for a formal announcement, Trump said in an interview published Thursday.
The 45th president told The New York Magazine in a telephone interview that he has already settled on the question of whether he will make another White House bid in 2024, adding that he is confident that if he runs, he will win.
“Look,” Trump said, “I feel very confident that, if I decide to run, I’ll win.”
“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.”
Hinting at a 2024 run, Trump said that the only question remaining is when to make a formal announcement, teasing a possible campaign launch after the November midterm elections.
“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.”
One source knowledgeable about the talks within Trump’s entourage cited by the report said that the former president had been set on making an announcement on July 4th, but was ultimately convinced by relatives and senior Republican lawmakers not to make an announcement before the midterm elections.
When asked whether he is concerned about potentially facing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, often mentioned as a viable candidate in 2024, Trump said he does not consider DeSantis a rival, taking credit for his victory in the Republican gubernatorial primary after Trump endorsed DeSantis.
