Trump pledges loyalty, won't run as independent
Donald Trump is the front-runner among 15 candidates for the Republican nomination.
Donald Trump is the front-runner among 15 candidates for the Republican nomination.
In a move that removes one of his biggest obstacles to being selected as the Republican presidential nomination, Donald Trump says he won’t run as an independent.
Mr Trump is the front-runner among 15 candidates for the Republican nomination and was previously the only one who said he wouldn’t rule out standing as an independent if not chosen.
After a meeting with senior party officials, he says he wanted to be treated respectfully and was assured they would do that.
In return, he has given his pledge of loyalty, which the party asked all candidates to sign.
“I just wanted fairness from the Republican Party,” Mr. Trump told a packed afternoon news conference.
The talks between Mr Trump and Republican National Committee officials were held at his campaign headquarters at Trump Towers in Manhattan, New York City.
“We have our heart in it. We have our soul in it,” Mr Trump says.
The prospect of a third-party run has been looming over the race since the first televised debate last month.
The party was worried if Mr. Trump failed to win the nomination and mounted an independent bid, he would drain away enough votes to guarantee a win for the Democratic candidate.
The Pledge #MakeAmericaGreatAgain pic.twitter.com/5OVWdxgLn9
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2015