If the GOP establishment denies Trump the nomination at the convention

[book_worm]

as has been discussed in the media--especially if he is the leading candidate in terms of delegates--and nominate Marco Rubio or some other establishment lap dog--Trump will bolt. He will feel cheated and he will run as an Independent. Either way the Democrats win--Trump as a nominee or Trump running as an Indie.

[ghostsinthemachine]

1. He will sue them for billions of dollars

And will win. They won't deny him the nomination, too much to lose.
They will shoot him down before that with the help of Democrats.

[Kber]

2. On what grounds would the GOP owe him money?

Curious re: the legal argument as to owing damages if they follow their technical nominating procedures at the convention?

[ghostsinthemachine]

7. If he wins enough delegates

He is the nominee. To deny him that, by breaking all the rules, would certainly lead to a lawsuit.

[pampango]

3. Unfortunately by then it would be too late to get on almost all state ballots as an independent.

He could do 'write-in' but that would not drain as many votes.

[book_worm]

4. Good point, but it sure would piss off his supporters

who will no doubt sit it out.

[Cosmocat]

5. That scenario would result in catastrophic

electoral consequences for the Rs ...

[Johonny]

6. He would have to bolt earlier than that. He needs to register in some states by May

meaning you'll know by the convention if he's got his backdoor set up or not.

[HooptieWagon]

8. Perhaps not in Florida.

After Charlie Crist lost the Republican US Senate primary and filed to run as an independant, Florida changed the rules so it couldn't be done. Have to have been registered with a party for at least a year before election to run under that party. I do not know if or how that applies to an out of state candidate...but Trump may have legal residency in Florida? Not sure.