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Donald Trump comes out of the Independent closet, declares 'not a Republican'

By April MacIntyre Dec 23, 2011, 21:26 GMT

10/24/2011 - Donald Trump and Melania Trump - "Tower Heist" World Premiere - Arrivals - Ziegfield Theatre - New York City, NY, USA © Marco Sagliocco / PR Photos

Celebrity Apprentice star and producer Donald Trump, who threw a wrench into the Republican nomination field, has switched his party affiliation from Republican to “unaffiliated,” according to Politico and ABC News.

Trump is allegedly “disgusted” with the way Republicans are handling matters in Washington, including the recent payroll tax cut deal.

This news sets up Trump to be a contender in a bid for an independent presidential run, and combined with Dr. Ron Paul's effect on the GOP, may hurt the Republican chances for the presidency.

"Couple Donald Trump’s name recognition with his extraordinary wealth and Americans Elect truly becomes a viable force in determining who the next president will be,” Trump’s top political adviser Michael Cohen told ABC News. “One thing is for certain, Donald Trump is adamant that Barack Obama must be defeated in 2012 under any circumstances.”

Trump hinted at an independent bid for president as recently as last week.

Trump ended his bid to moderate a Newsmax presidential debate after most of the Republican candidates did not share enthusiasm for the event.