Trump to stay out of the 2000 presidential race

From staff and wire reports

February 14, 2000
Web posted at: 9:20 a.m. EST (1420 GMT)

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Billionaire real estate developer Donald Trump announced on Monday he has decided against seeking the Reform Party nomination for president.

Speaking on NBC's "Today" show, Trump said his decision was largely driven by problems within the Reform Party under which he may have launched his presidential bid.

"I have made my decision. I am not going to be running. The party is as you know self-destructing," Trump said.

Trump had been flirting with the idea of a presidential bid since last year and even said he might be willing to spend $100 million of his own money to fund his campaign.

During the months Trump was considering a possible candidacy, he established ties with members of the Reform Party, including then-member and Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, who announced just last Friday that he was leaving the party, calling it "hopelessly dysfunctional."

"Jesse has left and that's a problem," Trump said.

Trump's decision ensures that two-time presidential candidate Pat Buchanan remains the only declared candidate for the Reform Party nomination.