If there is one thing that Trump loves almost as much as himself, it’s leverage. To that end, expect him to keep the 2024 option open as long as possible, for two reasons:
- Politically, it keeps him relevant, guarantees him the attention that he craves so desperately, and makes him a kingmaker at the very least; and
- It helps him with his creditors, regardless of whether he ultimately runs or not. If you run Deutsche Bank, you have no reason to extend his loans if you know he’s not running. But would you take that risk if you’re still dealing with someone who could be occupying the Oval Office and regulating you in a few years? Probably not.