Donald Trump seized the mantle of Republican standard-bearer for the 2016 US presidential election late Tuesday, sending his only serious challenger Ted Cruz crashing out of the White House race.
After charging to victory in Indiana, the unorthodox, anti-establishment candidate embraced the role of de facto nominee and trained his sights on the Democrat most likely to face him in the battle for the White House.
“We’re going after Hillary Clinton,” the billionaire real estate mogul told jubilant supporters gathered at Trump Tower in New York to celebrate the victory. “We’re going to win in November, and we’re going to win big.”
Cruz conceded to supporters in Indianapolis that he no longer had a viable path forward. “We left it all on the field in Indiana,” he said as he announced he was suspending his campaign.
Trump warned American companies of “very serious consequences” if they shift their operations overseas.
Published 04 May 2016, 02:44 IST