Donald Trump has announced he's running for the 2024 US presidency as he bids to return to the White House for a second time.
The 76-year-old has confirmed he will be throwing his hat in the ring to be the Republican nominee to contest president Joe Biden in two years time.
"In order to make America great and glorious again. I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States," Trump said to an audience of several hundred supporters, club members and gathered press in a chandeliered ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago club.
He stood flanked by more than 30 American flags and banners that read, "Make America Great Again!"
"I am running because I believe the world has not yet seen the true glory of what this nation can be," he continued. "We will again put America first."
Despite being urged not to run by some Republicans after patchy Midterm results, the 45th former president has ignored criticism and decided to stand.
His bid comes after an anticipated "red wave" of support for Republicans failed to materialise as the Trump backed candidates of Philadelphia, Michigan and Wisconsin all lost.
The Trump-backed nominee for Pennsylvania Mehmet Oz lost his bid after losing the crucial swing state to Democrat John Fetterman.
However, he reportedly blamed his wife Melina for making him support his failed bid.
Democrats were expecting huge loses in Congress due to the country's high inflation and unhappiness with Biden but there was unexpected support for the president's party, who have controlled the House since 2019.
Republicans are expected to take the House but are expected to have the narrowest margin - despite a predicted "red wave" of support.
During his election announcement Trump said: “I will ensure that Joe Biden does not receive four more years.
“Our country could not take that. And I say that not in laughter, I say that in tears. Our country could not take four more years. They can only take so much."
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, fresh from his Midterm re-election victory, is the favourite to stand against Trump in the battle for the Republican nomination.
After being dubbed "Ron DeSanctimonious" by the former president, Trump has been rattled by the success of the Florida governor as he told him not to run: "I don't think it would be good for the party."
Trump tried to warn Mr DeSantis from running as he told Fox News: "I don't know if he is running. I think if he runs, he could hurt himself very badly. I really believe he could hurt himself badly."
Liz Cheney, a Trump critic, is thought to be the third favourite if she decides to run.
The former president, who still refuses he lost the election to Biden in 2020, is making another bid for the top job despite Republicans blaming the Midterm results on him.
A Republican strategist said at the time of the defeats: "Tonight's results lie squarely at the feet of Donald J Trump.
"Had he not endorsed extremely flawed candidates in the primary, we would be having an amazing night tonight. Instead, we are losing very winnable races."
The former president ran for the Republican primaries back in 2016 and, despite being dismissed by pundits, he rose to the top of the opinion polls.
His mantra "Make America Great Again" along with outlandish and false statements helped make him popular to the party.
Trump declared Mike Pence his running mate and the pair were officially nominated at the Republican National Convention in May 2016.
He was up against Democrat Hillary Clinton, who was predicted to win the 2016 election, as they battled against each other in three heated presidential television debates.
In those debates Trump twice refused to say whether he would accept the result of the election should he lose to Mrs Clinton.
On November 8, 2016, Donald Trump won the election with 304 electoral votes compared to his opponent's 227.
He received 2.9 million fewer votes than Mrs Clinton and became only the fifth president to be elected whilst losing the popular vote.
Despite never holding a government job or serving in the military, Trump produced a political earthquake which showed his support was underestimated.
