Donald Trump released a statement Monday announcing he would not seek the Republican nomination in 2012.

This is not the first time Trump almost ran for President before deciding against it. He did the same thing in the lead-up to the 2000 election, and has threatened to join the race on numerous other occasions.

After attracting an elevated degree of media attention over the past few months, which culminated in Trump's self-congratulation for the release of President Obama's long form birth certificate in April, the real estate magnate no longer has to worry about leaving Celebrity Apprentice. In his statement, Trump maintains "the strong conviction that if I were to run, I would be able to win the primary and ultimately, the general election." His decision is made especially difficult, he says, because of how well he performs in the polls.

But the private sector is Trump's greatest passion, he says, and running for president is a serious commitment, not something to be taken lightly.

The Donald goes on to promise that he will continue to be a national asset by selling Americans Snazzle Snaxx  voicing his opinions "loudly," and bringing important political issues to the forefront.