President Donald Trump, a central figure in American politics for nearly a decade, has ruled out the possibility of running for president again in 2028 should he lose the upcoming 2024 election against Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump’s comments came during an interview on Sunday’s episode of “Full Measure,” hosted by veteran journalist Sharyl Attkisson. His candid remarks offer insight into the former president’s outlook on his political future.
When asked by Attkisson if he could envision running again in 2028 should he be unsuccessful in 2024, Trump was unequivocal in his response: “No, I don’t. No, I don’t,” he said. “I think that will be it. I don’t see that at all.” This statement marks a shift from Trump’s usual defiance when faced with political setbacks. Historically, Trump has shown a penchant for resilience, often defying expectations and maintaining a strong grip on his base despite challenges.
However, this time Trump seems more resolved. He indicated that he views the 2024 election as his final shot at reclaiming the presidency. “I don’t think it’s going to come to that,” Trump added, expressing confidence in his current campaign. “I think we’re going to be very successful.”
Confidence in a 2024 Victory
Trump’s optimism is in line with his persona as a determined and often combative political player. In the same interview, he stressed that he does not anticipate needing to plan for a future beyond 2024, implying that he fully expects to win against Harris. This confidence comes at a time when polling suggests that the race is exceptionally close, with both candidates facing razor-thin margins in key swing states.
For Trump, these swing states hold the key to his potential victory. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump and his allies concentrated much of their efforts on challenging the results in a handful of battleground states. For 2024, it appears the political landscape will once again be determined by these regions, with neither candidate holding a significant advantage according to recent surveys.
A Shift in Trump’s Strategy?
For much of his political career, Trump has been known for his tenacity and his refusal to bow out of a fight. After losing in 2020, there was speculation that Trump could continue to wield his influence from outside the Oval Office or run again in future elections, keeping his political legacy alive.
Trump’s assertion that he will not run in 2028 if he loses in 2024 signals a more defined exit strategy. This could reflect a calculation that by 2028, the political landscape will have shifted, and new faces within the Republican Party may take the mantle. Trump’s enduring popularity within the GOP has made him a kingmaker, and even in the event of a 2024 loss, he would likely still play a key role in shaping the future of the party. Yet, his recent comments suggest he is setting a timeline for his direct involvement in electoral politics.
The High Stakes of the 2024 Election
The stakes for the 2024 election are undeniably high. A Trump victory would mark a historic return to power, as he would become only the second president in U.S. history to serve two non-consecutive terms, after Grover Cleveland. On the other hand, a Harris victory would not only solidify her position as the first female president but also further push forward the policies of the Biden administration.
Both campaigns have been closely watched by pundits, with attention focused on a few pivotal states. These battlegrounds—such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Arizona—will determine the outcome of the race, just as they did in 2020. In these swing states, polling shows a near tie between Trump and Harris, reflecting a deeply divided electorate.
What Lies Ahead
If Trump is victorious in 2024, his presidency will likely be marked by an attempt to reassert his “America First” policies, further tightening immigration, and scaling back global alliances he sees as unfavorable to U.S. interests. Meanwhile, a loss would mark the end of an era not just for Trump, but potentially for the populist movement that has defined much of American politics in recent years.
Trump’s refusal to entertain a run in 2028 adds a sense of finality to his political journey. For his supporters, the 2024 race represents their last opportunity to see him in office, while for his critics, it marks the possibility of finally turning the page on the Trump era.
One thing is certain: the race will be closely contested, and its outcome will have far-reaching consequences not only for the candidates but for the future of American politics. With both sides gearing up for what is expected to be one of the most consequential elections in modern history, Trump’s candid remarks on his future may add even more weight to the results of November 2024.
WATCH:
Trump says he won’t run for office in 2028 if he doesn’t win the election in 2024.
“I think that that will be, that will be it. I don’t see that at all. I think that hopefully we’re gonna be successful.” pic.twitter.com/bm6fsltaAH
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) September 22, 2024