2016 Presidential Race: Donald Trump Launches Official Campaign Bid for White House, Calls Mexican Immigrants 'Rapists'
The 2016 Presidential election just got a little more interesting now that Donald Trump officially jumped into the race.
On Tuesday, the billionaire real estate mogul announced that he is vying for the Republican nomination for president in 2016.
"Our country needs a truly great leader, and we need a truly great leader now," Trump said during his announcement speech at the Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York City, according to USA Today. "So, ladies and gentlemen, I am officially running for president of the United States, and we are going to make our country great again."
During his address, the 69-year-old reality TV star also outlined his campaign platform, which focuses on competing with China and creating jobs, reports CNN.
"Our country is in serious trouble," he said. "We don't have victories any more. ... When was the last time anybody saw us beating, let's say, China in a trade deal? They kill us. I beat China all the time. All the time."
He also touted his success as a wealthy business man and took jabs at both President Barack Obama and his competitors in the Republican Party.
Trump also used his speech to attack Mexican immigrants in particular, saying Mexico is not "sending their best," according to the New York Daily News.
"They're sending people who have lots of problems," he said, calling Mexican immigrants drug traffickers and rapists. He also promised to build a border wall, asserting he will "make Mexico pay for that wall."
According to Nathan Gonzales, a political analyst and editor of The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report, "The Apprentice" host will act as an unwanted distraction for the GOP.
"It's a big headache for the Republican Party," he said.
"Donald Trump is not going to be the Republican nominee for president. Any time that he consumes on the debate stage and in the media is time he's taking away from a legitimate contender."
On the other hand, the Democratic National Committee welcomed Trump into the race.
"Today, Donald Trump became the second major Republican candidate to announce for president in two days," press secretary Holly Shulman said in a facetious statement.
"He adds some much-needed seriousness that has previously been lacking from the GOP field, and we look forward hearing more about his ideas for the nation."
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