Trump Announces Step Toward White House Bid
Real estate (OTC BB: REACD - news) mogul Donald Trump has taken a major step toward a potential run for the White House in 2016.
The Apprentice star announced on Wednesday he is forming a presidential exploratory committee.
"I am the only one who can make America truly great again," Mr Trump said in a statement.
The move is a firm step for the billionaire businessman, who has long flirted with a bid for the White House.
"I have a great love for our country, but it is a country that is in serious trouble," he said.
"Americans deserve better than what they get from their politicians who are all talk and no action."
Launching an exploratory committee allows Mr Trump to raise money and hire staff.
The Republican has already hired political aides in three key states on the presidential nomination calendar, including Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.
He is scheduled to appear in New Hampshire later in the week.
Mr Trump has been a sharp critic of Barack Obama's policies, but most notably garnered attention for raising questions about whether the President was born in the United States.
Mr Obama eventually released his long-form birth certificate to end the controversy.
Mr Trump joins fellow Republicans Jeb Bush and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson as the only potential candidates to form exploratory committees at this stage.
Several other Republicans are expected to officially throw their hats in the ring in the coming months, with all signs pointing to a likely 2016 race against Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Mrs Clinton, who is in the midst of a scandal involving her use of private email during her time as Secretary of State, has not yet formally announced her bid.
