In 1987, Donald Trump fueled speculation about a potential presidential bid. While explicitly stating he wasn't interested in running for any New York political office, he remained ambiguous about the possibility of a presidential candidacy.
Trump purchased full-page advertisements in national newspapers to disseminate his foreign policy views. Furthermore, a planned trip to New Hampshire, the site of the first presidential primary, in October of that year further fueled the speculation.
Although some dismissed the idea of a real estate and casino mogul as a presidential candidate, the ambiguity of Trump’s statements kept the speculation alive. A spokesperson stated that there were no plans for a run for mayor, governor or senator. However, Trump did not comment on the presidency itself, leaving room for interpretation.
Mike Dunbar, a New Hampshire Republican, was actively working to draft Trump as a candidate. Dunbar cited a lack of electable Republican candidates as his motivation.
Trump’s October trip was in response to an invitation to speak at a Rotary Club luncheon, organized by Dunbar in Portsmouth, NH.