On November 15, 2022, just a week after the midterm elections, Former President Donald Trump announced to a crowd at his estate in Florida that “In order to make America great and glorious again, I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States.” According to an article published by CNN, in his speech, “Trump aimed to evoke nostalgia for his time in office, frequently contrasting his first-term accomplishments with the Biden administration’s policies and the current economic climate.”

Many people believe that this announcement came at this time because although they were able to gain control of the House of Representatives, the Republican party failed to win a Senate majority. Although Trump has been partially blamed for this, during his speech he stated that the voting will be much different (in 2024.)

The question of whether or not Trump will even become the Republican’s presidential candidate is prevalent. The investigation of the Insurrection of the Capitol conducted by the Jan 6. Committee is currently underway. There have been several interviews and interrogations with members of Trump’s cabinet. The Committee is set to release their report by the end of the year. If the Jan 6. Committee does find any evidence that would damper the former President’s reputation, it could lessen his chances of being elected in the 2024 primary elections.

Ron DeSantis, the current governor of Florida might also reduce Trump’s likelihood of being elected. Although DeSantis hasn’t announced his campaign, many believe that he is most likely to replace Mr. Trump as the Republican candidate. Trump’s response to DeSantis’ possible campaign for office was that “he could hurt himself very badly,” and that it wouldn’t “be good for the party.” The former president went as far to say he “would tell you things about him that won’t be very flattering.”

Although Trump is very confident in his campaign, some Democrats actually see him running as a good thing. Former democratic candidate Bernie Sanders said that, “As an American, the idea of another Trump campaign and all of his lies and divisiveness and his efforts to undermine American democracy is an absolute horror show…On the other hand, I got to say that as a politician who wants to see that no Republican is elected to the White House in 2024, from that perspective, his candidacy is probably a good thing.” Many democrats believe they have a better chance of beating Trump than a different Republican who has a clean slate. His chaotic presidency, and two impeachment attempts leads most Democrats to think that many Americans dislike President Trump. The Democrats believe that this same group of people would vote for a Democratic candidate to prevent Trump winning the election.

At the end of the day, very little information about his campaign has been announced. Rumors, excitement and fear continue to circulate surrounding the possibility of his reelection. The essential question continues to linger; Why is he running in the first place? Is it solely to “Make America Great Again”? Or, have his true intentions been masked all along?