Donald Trump, the former U.S. President and the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, has stated that he will not consider pursuing the presidency in 2028 if he falls short in this year’s November election.

In an interview broadcast on Sunday, September 22, 2024, Trump confirmed that his current campaign would mark his last attempt at securing the presidency.

When questioned about the possibility of a 2028 campaign should he not succeed in the upcoming election, Trump responded decisively, “No, I don’t… I think that will be it. I don’t see that at all.” This statement is a departure from his customary resolute demeanor that seldom concedes the potentiality of defeat.

At 78, Trump would be 82 by the time of the 2028 election, a fact that invites unavoidable comparisons to former President Joe Biden, who was similarly scrutinized for his age before withdrawing from the 2024 race. Discussions regarding the mental sharpness of Biden prompted his withdrawal and such debates have now emerged concerning Trump’s readiness for another term.

Trump has previously hinted at distancing himself from politics. During his 2020 campaign, he publicly declared that if he were to lose to Biden, “you’ll never see me again.” Yet, following his loss, Trump stayed firmly in the political spotlight, launching numerous legal challenges against the 2020 election results and securing the Republican nomination again in 2024.

Trump’s recent announcement could have far-reaching implications for the Republican Party, which has been significantly shaped by his leadership since 2016. In past interviews, Trump has suggested that should he win the 2024 election, he ought to be permitted to serve beyond the two-term limit. He cites alleged unlawful surveillance of his 2016 campaign as the rationale for an additional term.

The decision by Trump to withdraw from future races, should he lose in 2024, may mark a significant turning point for the Republican Party as it grapples with leadership succession. Over the last eight years, Trump has transformed the party’s base, making his potential absence from future races a critical juncture for its trajectory. Without a victory this November, the GOP now faces the challenge of planning for a post-Trump era.

Despite his firm proclamation, Trump has previously shown reluctance to acknowledge possible election losses. Following his 2020 loss, Trump refused to concede, leading to a contentious effort to overturn the results, culminating in the January 6 Capitol riot. Concerns are already mounting that Trump and his supporters may be preparing to contest the 2024 election results should they not be in his favor.

Recent polls show a close race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, who assumed the Democratic nomination following Biden’s withdrawal. According to recent polls, Harris has a slim lead over Trump nationally, as shown by polling data.

As the election draws near, Trump is concentrating on his 2024 campaign but is already facing inquiries about his future plans beyond November. He expressed the hope for a successful outcome in the upcoming election.