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September 3, 2015

At the first presidential debate in Cleveland on Aug. 6, Donald Trump declined to pledge to support the Republican nominee.  Worried that Trump might mount an independent bid for the White House, the Republican National Committee came up with a loyalty pledge which it asked all the GOP candidates to sign.  On Sept. 3, 2015 Trump met with RNC Chairman Reince Priebus at Trump Tower and he signed the pledge.

RNC Pledge

I, ________, affirm that 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.


A Statement from Donald J. Trump on Signing the RNC Pledge

It is 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. I am leading in all local and national polls --- my whole life has been about winning and this is what must be done in order to win the election and, most importantly, to Make America Great Again!

RNC Statement On GOP Pledge

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement on the GOP unity pledge:

"I'm proud to announce that in a sign of party unity all 17 Republican presidential candidates have pledged to support our eventual nominee," said RNC Chairman Priebus.

"We have the largest, most diverse field in the history of either party. Any candidate would be a better president than Hillary Clinton and offer the new direction Americans want.

"Our nominee will have a party infrastructure unlike any other to support a general election campaign. Each and every day, the RNC is strengthening our ground game, hiring staff in key states, engaging with new voters, and perfecting our data operation.

"Unlike Democrats we will offer voters a choice, not a coronation. Whoever ends up as our nominee will be well positioned to retake the White House."