Donald Trump decides not to run for president

Donald Trump released a statement Monday to announce that he has decided not to run for president in 2012. The announcement was made just one day after NBC revealed that The Celebrity Apprentice would return for another season with a new host if he decided to pursue the GOP nomination.

“After considerable deliberation and reflection, I have decided not to pursue the office of the presidency,” he said, according to CBS News. “I maintain the strong conviction that if I were to run, I would be able to win the primary and ultimately, the general election.”

Trump, who openly discussed the possibility of running as an independent candidate during recent interviews, put all speculation to rest with the way his statement was worded.

“I have spent the past several months unofficially campaigning and recognize that running for public office cannot be done halfheartedly,” he continued. “Ultimately, however, business is my greatest passion and I am not ready to leave the private sector.”

Trump’s name recognition helped him to rank near the top of the Republican field in various polls. But he decided to follow in the footsteps of former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee by opting not to pursue the GOP nomination.

Trump, who is never one for false modesty, also stated his belief that he is largely responsible for placing a spotlight on essential economic and foreign policy issues.

“I will continue to voice my opinions loudly and help to shape our politician’s thoughts,” he added, according to USA Today. “I will not shy away from expressing the opinions that so many of you share yet don’t have a medium through which to articulate.”