Donald Trump urges former rival Hillary Clinton to run for US presidency again in 2020

Agence France-Presse
Updated
Donald Trump shakes hands Hillary Clinton at the conclusion of their first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, U.S., September 26, 2016 - Reuters
Donald Trump shakes hands Hillary Clinton at the conclusion of their first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, U.S., September 26, 2016 - Reuters

US President Donald Trump on Monday suggested he would beat former rival Hillary Clinton in a 2020 rematch, encouraging the Democrat to try her luck against him in the next presidential campaign.

"I hope Hillary runs," he said during a press conference. "Hillary, please run again! Go ahead."

The Republican leader also suggested that Clinton’s words of support to protesting professional athletes – who in recent weeks have drawn the president’s ire by kneeling during the national anthem before sporting events, a statement against racial injustice – was one example of why she lost the 2016 race.

"Honestly, it’s that thinking and that is the reason she lost the election," Trump said, after dubbing Clinton’s position on the issue "wrong."

Kneeling during "The Star-Spangled Banner" is "disrespecting our flag" Trump repeated concerning the issue he has reignited in recent weeks, after saying players who refused to stand for the traditional pre-game anthem should be fired.

Democrat Clinton has already ruled out the possibility of another White House bid.