Trump Announces Third Presidential Run... 65% of US Voters Oppose

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "To make America great and glorious again, tonight I declare my candidacy for the presidential election."

Former U.S. President Donald Trump officially announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election on the night of the 15th (local time), despite ongoing election accountability controversies. This marks his third attempt following his 2016 election victory and 2020 re-election defeat. However, 65% of U.S. voters oppose Trump's candidacy. Even the conservative Wall Street Journal (WSJ) harshly criticized his re-entry through a column, stating, "Democrats are excited because they see him as the easiest candidate to beat."

◆ "America's comeback starts now" Trump officially announces 2024 presidential candidacy

On that night, Trump invited the media to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida to make the anticipated "major announcement." He stated, "I will make America great and glorious again," adding, "Two years ago, we were a great nation, and soon we will be a great nation again." Prior to the announcement, Trump also submitted campaign committee documents to the Federal Election Commission including himself as a presidential candidate.

Beginning with "America's comeback starts now," Trump devoted much of his speech to criticizing the current Biden administration by comparing it to his own term. He said, "We built the greatest economy in world history and saved lives and the economy with decisive action when the virus struck," while criticizing the Biden administration's responses to inflation, the economy, North Korea, China, Islamic terrorism, and border issues.

Trump stated, "Joe Biden cannot be allowed to continue as the face of leftist failure and Washington corruption," adding, "In 2020, I received the most votes ever for an incumbent president. We will do it again." He also expressed confidence, saying, "The Biden administration destroyed the U.S. economy in two years. With victory, we will once again quickly build the greatest economy in history."

On policy, Trump emphasized "making America first again," saying, "We will put America first in every policy." He mentioned low taxes, fewer regulations, and fair trade, stating, "All policies must support American workers, households, and businesses and enable America to compete with other countries."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

◆ Despite election accountability controversies, Trump pushes forward with candidacy declaration... WSJ: "Democrats are excited"

Trump's aides had requested postponing the announcement until after the Senate runoff election in Georgia on December 6, following the Republican Party's underwhelming performance in the midterm elections. However, Trump ultimately proceeded with the announcement as scheduled.

There are three main reasons behind this. First, since the major announcement was already scheduled for the 15th, changing the date would be seen as admitting responsibility for the midterm election setbacks. Second, it is a move to check potential Republican presidential contenders such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. Lastly, it is analyzed that Trump hopes to establish himself as a presidential candidate before any federal Department of Justice indictment, thereby expecting political protection. Politico reported, "The Republican Party is still the 'Trump Party,' and if he wants, he will be the presidential candidate."

However, public opinion toward Trump has worsened as the Republican Party underperformed in the midterms. Senator Mitt Romney (Republican) compared Trump to "a pitcher who lost three consecutive games on the mound," arguing, "We need to put a new player on the field." The WSJ editorial titled "Donald Trump's presidential re-entry" ironically noted, "More Democrats than Republicans are excited, which is ironic," and assessed, "He divided the Republican Party and became the driving force behind the highest voter turnout in history among Democratic voters."

According to a Morning Consult poll conducted from the 10th to the 14th among 1,983 voters, 65% responded that Trump should not run for president. Among them, 53% said absolutely not. In contrast, only 19% said he must run, and 12% said he probably should.

On the same day, a hypothetical Republican primary poll conducted in Texas, a Republican stronghold and key state, showed Governor DeSantis (43%) once again leading former President Trump (32%).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.