Donald Trump Leaving The GOP? Trump Threatens Republicans With A Third Party Power Play

Donald Trump was adamant about his role in the Republican Party prior to his visit to the Mexico border. Trump initially claimed that he would “definitely” stay in the GOP, but has since backtracked noting that if the Republicans aren’t “fair,” he will run as a third-party candidate.

The Daily Mail reports that during a visit to the Mexico border in Texas, Trump noted that if “they’re [Republican party] not fair,” he will have no problem running for president as a third-party or independent. The threats come after Trump says he is being treated as an outsider by the GOP, despite being their golden boy when he contributed to campaigns with his finances.

“The RNC has not been supportive. They were always supportive when I was a contributor. I was their fair-haired boy. The RNC has been, I think, very foolish. I’ll have to see how I’m being treated by the Republicans. Absolutely, if they’re not fair, that would be a factor [in leaving the party]. I’m not in the gang. I’m not in the group where the group does whatever it’s supposed to do. I want to do what’s right for the country – not what’s good for special interest groups that contribute, not what’s good for the lobbyists and the donors.”

Love him or hate him, it seems that Donald Trump is making a valid point when it comes to the GOP’s views on the financial backer now that he is in the presidential running. Trump points out that the group treated him differently when he was a financial backer, despite having the same views as he does today.

During his speech in Texas, Trump noted that he wasn’t worried about poll numbers, as he is staying true to himself and that he thinks he is “doing great.”

“I’m not worried about any of the numbers. I’m doing great. Wouldn’t you agree?”

As noted by the Hill, though Trump is being alienated by many in the GOP, he is resonating well with many voters. In fact, it seems that Trump’s campaign is hinging on controversy, as Trump is currently leading recent national polls.

“Many in the party’s establishment, pointing to his inflammatory comments about Mexican immigrants and McCain, say that Trump is badly hurting the GOP brand. Yet he is connecting with a significant chunk of GOP voters. And despite criticism from party leaders and other presidential candidates, Trump appears fueled by controversy.”

What do you think about the idea of Donald Trump running as an independent or third-party if the GOP decides they aren’t going to play “fair?”

[Image Credit: Getty Images / Charlie Leight]