Allies of the former US president Trump are trying to dissuade him from running again in 2024 for fear he could be handed a humiliating defeat. This is according to The Atlantic and other media sources. Trump, who was defeated by Joe Biden in 2020, has hinted that he could run again in 2024 and has so far raised a lot of money to fund his campaign.
However, Trump allies fear that there is just too much risk. One source who spoke to The Atlantic anonymously said that the former president risks going down in history as a "serial loser" if he does not clinch victory in 2024.
The sentiment also seems to be shared by other notable republicans. Newt Gingrich, a former House speaker, and staunch supporter of Trump said that he doesn't think Trump wants to lose again.
Gingrich added that “losing once, you can argue about the outcome, but losing twice is more of a repudiation.” Besides, people close to the former president say that he hates losing. Putting himself in a situation where he could lose again could be a tough nut to crack for Trump. However, Trump has maintained that he didn’t lose the 2020 election.
Without providing any proof, the former president has claimed repeatedly that his victory was stolen, arguing that the November poll was full of widespread fraud. It’s highly unlikely that the former president will ever admit he lost.
But if he were to lose a second time, it would be very hard to claim fraud. But Trump still holds a lot of influence in the GOP. His base is still intact and many feel that the Republican nomination is his if he wants it.
However, whether he will be able to repeat the surprise victory of 2016 remains to be seen. People close to Trump have also said that perhaps the former New York real estate mogul has no intention of running at all. In fact, according to Mary Trump, niece to the former president, the only reason Trump has been teasing a possible 2024 run is to simply raise money from his supporters.
Mary argues that Trump has no intention of running. The prospect of losing twice is just too scary for him. Some feel that Trump wants to exert full control of the GOP. By teasing a possible 2024 run, he can keep his base excited, something that has assured him full control of the Republican Party.
Experts, however, note that the upcoming midterm election could be the most ideal litmus test for Trump. It is expected that the former president will be wildly involved in the campaigns to try and drum up support for GOP candidates.
If indeed the Republicans can come out with a good victory, then it could inspire Trump to seek office in 2024. But this could still be a huge gamble. While he can easily get the GOP nomination, beating the Democratic nominee will be a huge undertaking.
