Trump belittles Bloomberg, says 'little Mike will fail'

WASHINGTON

U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Friday former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's chances of securing the White House just one day after reports surfaced that he is weighing a potential 2020 presidential bid.

"Little Michael will fail," Trump told reporters at the White House, apparently re-upping his demeaning nickname of the multibillionaire. "There is nobody I'd rather run against than little Michael."

Trump said Bloomberg has unspecified "issues," calling him a "nothing" who will actually hurt the chances of Democratic front-runner Joe Biden.

Bloomberg has often flirted with the idea of running for president in the past, but has repeatedly balked at the opportunity.

He said in March that he would not launch a bid this year, but multiple reports said he is expected to file for the Democratic primary ballot in Alabama this week.

Alabama has the earliest filing deadline among Democratic primary states, with Friday being the last day to do so ahead of its March 3 contest.

In weighing whether or not he will entered the already-crowded Democratic field, Bloomberg has concerns over the strength of the candidate pack, according to multiple reports.

Trump said Bloomberg "doesn't have the magic to do well," and alleged he has "some personal problems.”