Trump registers as an Independent, keeping door open to White House run

Donald Trump changed his voter registration Thursday to Independent, his special counsel confirmed to The Hill.

"[Trump registered] in order to preserve his right to run as an Independent after the finale of 'The Apprentice' in May, if he is not satisfied with whom the candidate is," Michael Cohen told The Hill.

Cohen added that Trump is unhappy with how the Republicans "are handling the payroll tax issue" and how the Obama administration "continues to allow China to take advantage of the trade agreement."

Trump recently pulled out of moderating a Republican debate, saying he has not ruled out a presidential bid himself. He mentioned earlier this month that he could run as an Independent in 2012.

A number of the Republican candidates refused to participate in the Newsmax debate after Trump was announced as moderator. The event, originally planned for two days after Christmas, has been rescheduled.