In a significant development, former President Donald Trump has revealed that he does not intend to run for office again in 2028 if he loses the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November.

Trump, who is 78 years old, has been a dominant figure in the Republican Party, running as the party’s candidate in three consecutive national elections. His impact on the party’s direction over the past eight years has been considerable.

Interview Insights

During an interview with Sinclair Media Group, Trump was asked whether he would consider running again if he lost to Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

His response was definitive: “No, I don’t. I think... that will be it. I don’t see that at all,” he said, acknowledging for one of the few times the possibility of defeat. However, he quickly added, “Hopefully, we're going to be very successful.”

This statement marks a notable shift from Trump’s usual rhetoric, which has focused on rallying his supporters and projecting confidence in victory. U.S. law prohibits presidents from serving more than two terms, so even if Trump wins in 2024, he would not be eligible to run again in 2028.

Comments at Israeli-American Event Stir Controversy

This is the second time in recent days that Trump has spoken about the prospect of losing the election. At an event hosted by the Israeli-American Council last Thursday, Trump suggested that if he were to lose, Jewish voters might bear some responsibility.

“Do they know what the hell is happening if I don’t win this election?” Trump said, as reported by various media outlets. “And the Jewish people would have to do a lot with that if that happens because, at 40% [support], that means 60% of the people are voting for the enemy.”

His remarks drew swift criticism from the Harris campaign, as well as from the nonpartisan American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League, who condemned the statements as divisive.

Democratic Surge and Polling Lead

Trump’s recent acknowledgments of possible defeat come as the Democratic Party sees its prospects improve since Kamala Harris became the nominee following President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election.

Harris’s campaign reported raising over $190 million in August, outpacing Trump’s campaign, which raised $130 million in the same period.

National polling averages, as tracked by the BBC, show Harris leading Trump, with a CBS poll released on Sunday giving Harris a 52% to 48% edge nationally. In key battleground states, Harris maintains a narrower lead of 51% to 49%, slightly up from last month’s even split.

Voter Sentiment and Key Issues

In another poll conducted by NBC, Harris holds a five-point lead over Trump nationwide. The poll also revealed a rise in Harris’s favorability ratings, with 48% of registered voters viewing her positively compared to just 32% in July.

This marks the largest increase in favorability for a candidate since former President George W. Bush saw a surge in support following the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Despite Harris’s lead in the polls, Trump maintains a clear advantage on critical election issues, particularly regarding the economy, cost of living, and immigration. These key topics could sway voters as Election Day approaches.

As the election season heats up, Trump's recent comments hint at a new phase in his campaign strategy, one where the reality of defeat is considered, even as he pushes for success in November.