Trump discourages his potential challenger DeSantis from running for president

NEW YORK

Former US President Donald Trump on Monday discouraged Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, his potential challenger, from launching a White House bid in 2024.

"Ron DeSantis is a young man who is not doing well against me in the polls, to put it mildly,” Trump said on his social media platform.

"I believe that if he decides to run for President, which will only hurt and somewhat divide the Republican Party, he will lose the cherished and massive MAGA vote, and never be able to successfully run for office again."

DeSantis, a possible Trump rival, is yet to announce his bid to run for president.

Trump is accused of 34 felony counts related to his alleged involvement in a scheme to pay "hush money" to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

DeSantis said the indictment was "un-American" and politically motivated.