Union Leader - Trump Inches Closer to a Decision

News Article

By Dan Tuohy

Donald Trump, if he does decide to run for president, said he will be a national security candidate, not just a businessman who has created "tens of thousands of jobs" over his lifetime.

"I don't think there's ever been a time when we were in more danger than now," Trump said during a visit Thursday to New Hampshire. "This is the most dangerous time, in my opinion, in the history of our country."

The real estate mogul, in meeting with business people over lunch at Pease International Tradeport, called politicians "all talk, no action." He insists he is not a politician, just a successful businessman who wants to get America back on the track.

Trump continued to criticize the Trans-Pacific Partnership, currency manipulation by China, the arms negotiations with Iran, and the sieve-like border with Mexico. And he kept up criticism of some of his possible Republican opponents, citing former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

"We want reduced taxes. We want to repeal Obamacare and replace it. We want strong borders. We want strong on immigration," said Trump.

The unrest around the country, such as in Baltimore this spring, can be addressed with an improved economy, according to Trump.

"A job is the best social program," he said.

Trump was scheduled to hold a town hall-style meeting at Barrington Middle School on Thursday night.

At the luncheon, which was hosted by businesswoman and activist Renee Plummer, Trump was thanked for his support of veterans and he was asked about what could possibly get him into the race.

"What's your trigger point?" asked John Tinios, a local businessman and restaurateur. He said Trump had considered running for president three or four times, to which Trump corrected him, saying, "No, two times."

"I'd rather not do it because I love what I'm doing. I love my life," said Trump, citing his business and his success with "The Apprentice" series on NBC.

Trump said he would make a decision by about the middle of June, though he said he's already made the decision in his mind.

This is Trump's fourth trip to New Hampshire since February.

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