Trump’s Made Up His Mind About 2024, Report Says—But He’s Unsure When To Announce

Topline

Former President Donald Trump has decided whether or not he will run for president in 2024, according to New York magazine, telling the outlet in an interview that his “big decision” at this point is whether to make an announcement before or after the midterms–an issue that is reportedly a point of contention among his advisors.

Former President Donald Trump fist-rumbas for supporters during a rally at the Iowa State … [+] Fairgrounds on October 9, 2021, in Des Moines.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Key Facts

Trump did not state whether he will run or not, but told New York: “I feel very confident that, if I decide to run, I’ll win.”

Trump said he’s not sure when he will announce, but two advisors anonymously told the Washington Post that September may be when the former president goes public with his decision.

The former president’s advisors are reportedly divided about whether he should announce before or after the midterms, with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) telling the Post, “The sooner he gets in and talks about winning the next election, the better,” while others, including Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, worry that Trump could take the blame if the GOP underperforms in the election.

One advisor said the odds are “70-30” that Trump makes his announcement before the midterms, according to the Post.

Margo Martin, a spokeswoman for Trump, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbes.

Crucial Quote

“I made America great again, and I may have to do it again,” Trump said to New York.

Chief Critic

Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) told reporters in Washington on Thursday that he doesn’t want Trump “to announce at all, ever,” saying the polarizing former president entering the race would distract voters from looking at President Joe Biden’s record. Romney was one of seven GOP senators who voted to convict Trump at his second impeachment trial.

Surprising Fact

Trump denied reports he was planning to announce his decision on July 4. “That was just fake news,” Trump told New York.

Key Background

Trump is expected to again be the GOP favorite if he decides to run, but polling suggests his support among Republican voters may be slipping, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) steadily closes in on Trump’s lead in the polls. A New York Times/Siena College poll released Tuesday suggested almost half of prospective GOP primary voters would like to vote for a candidate other than Trump, a number that rises to almost two thirds of Republican voters under 35 or with a college degree. Trump has repeatedly said he would beat DeSantis in a GOP primary, and told New York he’s unconcerned about the impact a series of highly publicized January 6 committee hearings might have on his reputation. The former president also routinely boasts about having a strong endorsement record, but results have been fixed so far for Trump-backed candidates in high-profile midterm primaries.