00:00 [applause]
00:03 Good morning.
00:06 Just over a year ago, I launched my campaign for president.
00:10 When I began, I said the campaign was grounded in my love for our country.
00:16 Just last week, my mother, a first-generation immigrant,
00:20 got to vote for her daughter for president, only in America.
00:25 I am filled with the gratitude for the outpouring of support we've received from all across our great country.
00:32 But the time has now come to suspend my campaign.
00:37 I said I wanted Americans to have their voices heard.
00:40 I have done that.
00:42 I have no regrets.
00:44 And although I will no longer be a candidate,
00:47 I will not stop using my voice for the things I believe in.
00:52 Our national debt will eventually crush our economy.
00:56 A smaller federal government is not only necessary for our freedom,
01:00 it is necessary for our survival.
01:03 The road to socialism is the road to ruin for America.
01:08 Our Congress is dysfunctional and only getting worse.
01:13 It is filled with followers, not leaders.
01:16 Term limits for Washington politicians are needed now more than ever.
01:21 Our world is on fire because of America's retreat.
01:26 Standing by our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan is a moral imperative.
01:32 But it's also more than that.
01:34 If we retreat further, there will be more war, not less.
01:40 As important, while we stand strong for the cause of freedom,
01:44 we must bind together as Americans.
01:48 We must turn away from the darkness of hatred and division.
01:52 I will continue to promote all those values, as is the right of every American.
01:58 I sought the honor of being your president.
02:02 But in our great country, being a private citizen is privilege enough in itself.
02:08 And that's a privilege I very much look forward to enjoying.
02:12 In all likelihood, Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee
02:16 when our party convention meets in July.
02:19 I congratulate him and wish him well.
02:22 I wish anyone well who would be America's president.
02:26 Our country is too precious to let our differences divide us.
02:32 I have always been a conservative Republican and always supported the Republican nominee.
02:38 But on this question, as she did on so many others,
02:42 Margaret Thatcher provided some good advice when she said, quote,
02:47 "Never just follow the crowd. Always make up your own mind."
02:53 It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes of those in our party and beyond it
02:58 who did not support him. And I hope he does that.
03:02 At its best, politics is about bringing people into your cause, not turning them away.
03:08 And our conservative cause badly needs more people.
03:14 This is now his time for choosing.
03:17 I end my campaign with the same words I began it, from the book of Joshua.
03:23 I direct them to all Americans, but especially to so many of the women and girls out there
03:29 who put their faith in our campaign.
03:32 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.
03:38 For God will be with you wherever you go.
03:42 In this campaign, I have seen our country's greatness from the bottom of my heart.
03:48 Thank you, America. God bless you.
03:51 [applause]
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