Donald Trump announces another run at becoming the US President

In a lengthy hour-long speech from his infamous Mar-a-Lago resort, which forced major networks, including Fox News, to cut away from it, Trump started by saying: “In order to make America great and glorious again, I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States.

“I am running because I believe the world has not yet seen the true glory of what this nation can be. My fellow citizens, America’s comeback starts right now.”

Critics have dubbed the unusually early announcement as a calculated move to shield himself from various investigations, including removing documents from White House which led to an FBI raid at the resort from where he announced his candidacy, multiple tax fraud by companies owned by him and his family, and the January 6 Capitol riots.

Trump is launching his campaign in the wake of Democratic wins in mid-term elections, in which several candidates he elevated during this year’s primaries, lost. It has allowed Democrats to keep the Senate and left the GOP with only a bare majority in the House.

Many Democrats see Trump as a weaker candidate now than someone like Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who has emerged as an early favourite White House contender.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said: “Today is just the kickoff to what will be a messy Republican primary with candidates competing to be the most extreme MAGA Republican in the race. The DNC will be ready for them all.”

If Trump, 76, becomes the Republican candidate, it could lead to a Round 2 bout with reigning President Joe Biden, 80, who has already announced his intentions to run for re-election. The two men were already the oldest presidential nominees ever when they ran in 2020.

If he is ultimately successful, Trump would become the second president after Grover Cleveland (wins in 1884 and 1892) in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms.