Donald Trump said Thursday he has signed a pledge promising to back the Republican presidential nominee if it is not him, an action that presumably rules out a potential third-party bid.
"I have no intention of changing my mind," Trump said during a news conference in the lobby of his corporate tower in New York City. "I see no circumstances under which I would tear up that pledge."
The front-running billionaire made the non-binding declaration after meeting Thursday with Republican Party chairman Reince Priebus, who has urged all the party's presidential candidates to sign a formal loyalty pledge.
In a written statement, Trump called it "my great honor to pledge my total support and loyalty to the Republican Party and the conservative principles for which it stands. This is far and away the best way to secure victory against the Democrats in November 2016."
The businessman also predicted he would win the Republican nomination in any event, saying "I am leading in all local and national polls — my whole life has been about winning."
Trump's son, Eric, tweeted out a photo of his father holding a copy of the signed pledge (which Trump or someone else dated incorrectly, writing "August" rather than September). The campaign later distributed a photo of the pledge with the correct month.
Signing the pledge removes a potential ballot obstacle for Trump. Republicans in South Carolina and other states have said that candidates must agree to back the GOP nominee before obtaining spots on their primary ballots.
Republicans have repeatedly expressed concern that a third-party bid by Trump will siphon votes from the Republican nominee.
Despite his pledge, some of Trump's rivals remained skeptical of his Republican loyalties, noting that he has backed Democratic candidates and policies in the past.
After Trump announced his new pledge, GOP rival Jeb Bush tweeted out a written statement: "Voted Republican since 1972."
Trump's refusal to pledge not to run as an independent or for a third party highlighted the first Republican debate last month, and some of his opponents have used the issue against him.
The Republican National Committee sent the loyalty pledge to candidates on Wednesday.
It reads in part: "If I do not win the 2016 Republican nomination for president of the United States I will endorse the 2016 Republican presidential nominee regardless of who it is. I further pledge that I will not seek to run as an independent or write-in candidate nor will I seek or accept the nomination for president of any other party."
Trump has repeatedly said he would not run as an independent if the Republicans treat him with "respect."
In announcing he had signed the loyalty pledge, Trump said the party "has been absolutely terrific" over the past two months. Trump said he received "absolutely nothing" for signing the pledge, other than the assurance he would be treated fairly.
"I don't have to be treated any differently than anybody else," Trump said. "I just wanted fairness from the Republican Party."
