Trump considering running again in 2024, reports claim

Mr Trump’s aides and allies have hinted at a return in four years as well.

Donald Trump may be considering a second presidential run in 2024.  

The president has reportedly been having discussions with his advisers about running for the nation's highest office again in 2024.  

Axios originally reported the story and cites two anonymous sources familiar with the conversations.  

If the Axios report is correct, it would be an indication that Mr Trump is coming to grips with the reality that he has lost the election.  

Mr Trump has not made any public comments suggesting he will run in 2024 and has not offered a concession speech or indication that he plans to leave office.  

US law limits presidents to two terms as president, but those terms do not need to be consecutive.  

US President Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms as president. His first term ended in 1889 and his second began in 1893. His presidencies both preceded and followed the presidential term of Benjamin Harrison.  

If Mr Trump does try to take the Grover Cleveland route back to the White House, his aides are reportedly warning him not to burn his bridges on the way out and damage his future campaign.  

Allies and aides to the president have encouraged a 2024 run.  

On Monday, Sen. Lindsey Graham said Mr Trump should consider a run in 2024 "if he falls short" in order to keep his "movement" alive. 

"I would encourage him to think about doing it," Mr Graham said. "Grover Cleveland came back. Donald Trump should think about it if he falls short."  

Mr Graham has not publicly acknowledged that Mr Trump has lost the election.  

Former aides Steve Bannon, Rick Gaetz and Mick Mulvaney all said they anticipated seeing Mr Trump involved in the presidency in some way come 2024.  

Mr Trump is still fighting to win the 2020 election through the use of legal challenges and baseless allegations of voter fraud.