President Trump's potential 2024 campaign may go bust before it's even announced.
Even before Trump lost re-election to President-elect Joe Biden, his allies have privately and publicly speculated that he'll try a comeback run in 2024. Sources now tell Axios that announcement is "likely," and may even come before Trump leaves the White House.
Trump is reportedly already laying out strategies to "stay relevant and freeze out other Republican rivals," Axios reports. He'll reportedly focus on keeping Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel, a close ally, in her position, and has already started stockpiling PAC money under the guise of building an "Election Defense Fund." Trump also gave his most explicit hint at a 2024 run yet at a Tuesday night White House Christmas party. "It's been an amazing four years. We are trying to do another four years. Otherwise, I'll see you in four years," Trump told guests, CNN's Kaitlan Collins reported.
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Other Republicans planning to run in 2024 tell Axios they hope Trump's power fades when he leaves the White House. But they may not have to worry — one Republican close to Trump said the president may announce a 2024 run but not actually follow through as he comes across "hurdles he has never before experienced." "No one is going to let him have a free pass in the primary," the Republican said, insinuating Trump's political, financial, and legal troubles could be a major problem. Still undecided is "whether the media will give up their addiction to him or not," the Republican added.
