At the same time, Trump again declared his interest in serving a third presidential term, which is barred under the Constitution.

“I would love to do it,” he told journalists travelling with him aboard Air Force One during his multi-leg trip across Asia.

The 79-year-old Republican often drops hints about his potential plans for the next presidential election, including campaign-style caps reading “Trump 2028”.

This has fuelled speculation over whether he might seek a way to extend his political career.

Any constitutional amendment allowing a third term would require two-thirds majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as ratification by three-quarters of U.S. states.

Because of that high hurdle, some allies have floated the idea of Trump running as vice-president.

That could, in theory, see him return to the presidency if the elected President were to step down.

(dpa/www.crestnewsonline.ng)

*Edited by Olawale Alabi