U.S. real estate mogul Donald Trump announced Monday he won't seek the Republican presidential nomination, saying he wants to remain in the private sector.
"After considerable deliberation and reflection, I have decided not to pursue the office of the presidency," Trump said in a statement. "This decision does not come easily or without regret; especially when my potential candidacy continues to be validated by ranking at the top of the Republican contenders in polls across the country."
He maintained his belief that he could win the GOP primary and the general election but recognizes that running for public office "cannot be done halfheartedly," CNN reported.
"Ultimately, however, business is my greatest passion and I am not ready to leave the private sector," Trump said.
To his supporters, Trump pledged he would keep voicing his opinions "and help to shape our politicians' thoughts. My ability to bring important economic and foreign policy issues to the forefront of the national dialogue is perhaps my greatest asset and one of the most valuable services I can provide to this country."
Trump said he looked forward "to supporting the candidate who is the most qualified to help us tackle our country's most important issues and ... will have the courage to take on the challenges of the office and be the agent of change that this country so desperately needs."
Pollsters weren't giving Trump very good odds if he had undertaken a run.
"The numbers are very daunting," David Birdsell, dean of the School of Public Affairs at Baruch College in New York City, told ABC News Monday.
Marist College Poll director Lee Miringoff agreed: "The incline is very steep. He has all kinds of problems that would take a lot of undoing if he is really serious about it."