Donald Trump appears to be testing the waters for a possible 2016 presidential run as advisers confirm the businessman has spent $1 million for research to determine his political standing in specific states.
Michael Cohen, executive vice president and special counsel to Trump, told
the New York Post that research is being conducted to gauge the standing of the popular “Celebrity Apprentice” host and wildly successful business entrepreneur.
“We did not spend $1 million on this research for it just to sit on my bookshelf,” Cohen said. “At this point Mr. Trump has not made any decision on a political run, but what I would say is that he is exactly what this country needs.”
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Trump said at an event last week in Michigan that it was "highly unlikely" that he would run in 2016.
“Everybody tells me, ‘Please run for president. Please run for president.’ I would be much happier if a great and competent person came along,” Trump told attendees at a Republican Party event in Novi, Mich.
“I’d be happy if President Obama did a great job. I’m a Republican, but before anything, I love this country. I would love to see somebody come in who is going to be great,” Trump said.
Trump considered throwing his hat into the ring during the 2012 Republican contest to unseat President Barack Obama. If Trump does jump into the race, he would be required by law to turn control of his company over to his children or a trust, Cohen told the Post.
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