From the BZ editorial team
Former US President Donald Trump (76) wants to run again for the Republicans in the 2024 presidential election.
The corresponding form for the 2024 US presidential election was filed with the US Electoral Commission on Tuesday (local time), according to the agency’s website. The ex-president had previously promised a “big announcement”.
Shortly after the documents were submitted, Trump gave a speech to his supporters on Tuesday evening (local time) at his Mar-a-Lago estate in the state of Florida. “To make America great and glorious again, tonight I announce my candidacy for President of the United States,” Trump said.
“America’s comeback is starting right now,” he said. “Two years ago we were a great nation and soon we will be a great nation again.”
Trump was in the White House in Washington for four years from 2017 to early 2021. He lost the November 2020 election to Joe Biden (79).
His announcement comes just a week after the general and gubernatorial elections in the US, in which the Republicans, contrary to expectations, did not achieve a spectacular victory. Trump, who loudly interfered in the election campaign and publicly supported numerous right-wing candidates, is held responsible for the poor result. In order to actually run as his party’s official candidate for the 2024 presidential election, Trump has to assert himself in internal party primaries.
His biggest competitor: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (44). He was confirmed in office with a strong result in the midterm elections. Although DeSantis represents similar hard-line positions, it appears less shrill in its public image.
Other Republicans could also dare to run. Trump’s Vice President Mike Pence, for example, said that he was considering running for office and would then be prepared to run against his former boss. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin could also be a candidate.