Note 236

20th January 20/21 08.35 GM
Live report 6 hours ago

Trump has raised the idea of starting a new political party in recent days
From CNN's Jim Acosta

President Trump has raised the idea of starting a new political party in recent days, a senior Trump adviser confirmed. The adviser immediately dismissed the idea as not serious.

A separate White House adviser said the prospect of launching a new party was "lame." Another aide noted Trump is disgusted with Senate Republicans who will soon decide whether the ex-president should be convicted during his impeachment trial.

It's unclear how determined Trump is to begin his own political party. In his farewell message video, Trump vowed his movement will carry on. The latest polls, including one from CNN, find Trump with the lowest approval ratings of his presidency. He is leaving office deeply unpopular.

The Wall Street Journal first reported Trump's interest in a new party, saying he would call it the "patriot party."

CNN's Jim Acosta reports: