Donald Trump Not Running for President

Just as quickly as he entered the race for U.S. president, Donald Trump is removing himself from the list of potential Republican candidates. On Monday afternoon, the Celebrity Apprentice host officially announced that he has chosen business over politics.

"After considerable deliberation and reflection, I have decided not to pursue the office of the Presidency," Trump, 64, writes in a press release.

With his trademark lack of humility, the real-estate mogul adds that he's not backing down because he thinks he'll lose. Au contraire -- he just doesn't want to win anymore.

"This decision does not come easily or without regret; especially when my potential candidacy continues to be validated by ranking at the top of the Republican contenders in polls across the country," Trump continues. "I maintain the strong conviction that if I were to run, I would be able to win the primary and ultimately, the general election."

Well then, what's stopping him? It appears that becoming the leader of the free world got a little less appealing when Trump realized he would no longer have time to run his many business ventures once he took office.

"Business is my greatest passion," Trump says, "and I am not ready to leave the private sector."

The billionaire goes on to thank his supporters, and says he vows to repay them by -- well, being himself.

"I make you this promise: that I will continue to voice my opinions loudly and help to shape our politicians' thoughts," Trump says. "My ability to bring important economic and foreign policy issues to the forefront of the national dialogue is perhaps my greatest asset and one of the most valuable services I can provide to this country."

Sigh. Was it too much to hope for a vow of silence?

Trump's announcement comes shortly after NBC declared that they would replace him on Celebrity Apprentice, should he become a Presidential candidate. We have to say, we think we like Trump better in the board room than in the Oval Office, and we can't imagine who would replace him.

Then again, the real question now is: Who will replace him in the Republican primary?

Watch below as Trump announces the news:

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/donald-trump-not-running-president/1-a-350226

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