In these times of great political strife, when both major parties are entrenched in their ‘win at all cost’ battles, the voices of the American people are being ignored and our nation is suffering.

Former two-term Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld announced his challenge to President Trump in the 2020 Republican primary on Monday.

“I’m in! #Weld2020 weld2020.org,” Weld announced via Twitter Monday afternoon.

The 73-year-old Weld, who served as Massachusetts governor from 1991 to 1997, last ran for office in 2016 as the Libertarian candidate for vice president on a ticket headed by former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson. The duo won approximately 3.28 % of the popular vote translating to 4.9 million votes.

Weld, who also spent seven years at the Department of Justice, appears to be campaigning with a message that the voice of the American people is being drowned out by two political parties at war with each other.

“Ours is a nation built on courage, resilience, and independence.  In these times of great political strife, when both major parties are entrenched in their ‘win at all cost’ battles, the voices of the American people are being ignored and our nation is suffering.

“It is time for patriotic men and women across our great nation to stand and plant a flag. It is time to return to the principles of Lincoln – equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.  There is no greater cause on earth than to preserve what truly makes America great. I am ready to lead that fight,” said Weld in a press release.

In an attempt to appeal to the traditionally Republican issue of fiscal responsibility, Weld’s statement also claimed he was ranked the “most fiscally conservative Governor in the country by the Cato Institute and the Wall Street Journal.”

Weld’s campaign goes on to claim, “He cut taxes 21 times, never raised them, balanced the budget, and oversaw six upgrades in the state’s bond rating.  He signed landmark welfare reform, established public education standards, and was a trailblazer as an early proponent for LGBT civil rights.”

One group not particularly enthusiastic about Weld’s announcement is the Republican Party. A spokesman for the Republican National Committee was dismissive of Weld’s challenge in a report to CNBC, noting, “President Trump enjoys unprecedented support among Republicans.”

“He has already delivered a long list of incredible accomplishments for conservatives and the country. The RNC and the Republican Party are firmly behind the president.

“Any effort to challenge the president’s nomination is bound to go absolutely nowhere,” the spokesman said.

Weld will have an uphill battle as Trump’s approval rating among Republicans according to Gallup was recorded at 89% in early April.

Weld’s first campaign video went right after Trump and declared that “America deserves better.” The video then shows a highlight reel of controversial Trump remarks which includes footage of Trump mocking a disabled reporter and has audio of Trump’s Access Hollywood tape where he boasts about sexually assaulting women.