Theory: Trump will run as an independent in 2020, win or lose on his own terms

[Progressive]

Today, Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX) and other Republicans have called on Trump family to leave White House official roles. Trump is nothing if not stunningly emotionally fragile and infamously thin-skinned. It's clear he loves/cares about his family. He does not want them out of the White House, and does not want to cajole to political norms. SO, I think he is going to run as an independent in 2020. He will lose on his own terms or if he wins he can continue his presidency without the soul-crushing norms of GOP and Democratic establishment political circles.

Thoughts?

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Trump does not cave in because politicians and the media want him to. He does the exact opposite. He believes he can win again as a Republican because he already won once. Running as an Independent gives him even more competition and lessens his chances of winning. He won't do it.

[An American Tail: Fubart Goes West]

I'd love to see his team try to meet ballot access rules. Their incompetence would be laughable. Sure, he'd probably get the American Independent ticket in CA (they ignored their own primary and gave their line to him last year) and maybe a few others, but the rest would be fun to watch.

[krazen1211]

No, Trump is not beatable in the Republican primary.

[The Mikado]

No, Trump is not beatable in the Republican primary.

Krazen is right, and that's true even if Trump's approvals with Republicans dips somewhat. So far, his loudest GOP critics have either been fringey weirdos like Justin Amash or has-beens like John Kasich, neither of whom is anywhere near close to the consensus of the GOP.