Did he run in 2012? Not for long. “Donald Trump bows out of 2012 US presidential election race
US mogul formally announces he will not seek the Republican nomination, claiming he is ‘not ready to leave the private sector’”
What is your point?
Did he file formal papers and financial disclosures in 2012? May be he was not ready to get out of his lucrative business empire.
In 2016 race, Trump has taken all steps necessary to stay in the race. He is also nearing age 70. People at that age have less desire to pursue money and more desire to pursue legacy. When I turned 70, my own outlook on life changed.