Trump won't run for president

May 16, 2011, 21:28 GMT

Washington - Real estate mogul and television personality Donald Trump has decided against running for president.

Trump said Monday he has decided against seeking the Republican nomination to oppose President Barack Obama in next year's election. Trump told reporters he was confident he can win the nomination and defeat Obama but he was more content to stay in the business world.

Trump, who has in the past toyed with the idea of running for president, appeared to be more serious this time, actively speaking out and pressing Obama to release his birth certificate.

The Republican field was already growing crowded 18 months ahead of the election.

Former House speaker Newt Gingrich threw his hat in the ring last week, and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Congressman Ron Paul, and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney are poised to formally join the race.

One of the more popular would-be candidates, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, said Saturday on Fox News that he would not make a bid in 2012. Huckabee was a contender for the Republican nomination in 2008.

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