Former adviser to President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, is preparing the groundwork for a potential run for president in 2028, according to a report published Saturday by Axios.

Axios, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter, reported that Bannon has begun taking early steps consistent with a presidential campaign, including setting up a political action committee and speaking with allies about potential staffing. The outlet also noted that Bannon appeared last year at events hosted by the Colorado and Georgia Republican parties, which it described as an effort to build relationships with state-level organizers who play influential roles in the primary process.

Despite those activities, Axios reported that Bannon has told associates that his primary goal is not necessarily to win the presidency, but to influence the direction of the Republican Party. According to the report, Bannon aims to pressure GOP candidates to adopt an “America First” agenda that emphasizes non-interventionist foreign policy, economic populism, and opposition to major technology companies.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz told Axios that a Bannon-led campaign would combine “the foreign policy of Rand Paul with the tax policy of Elizabeth Warren.”

Sources close to Bannon told Axios they envision a nontraditional campaign model, potentially operating out of Bannon’s Capitol Hill podcast studio and avoiding traditional rallies in early primary states such as Iowa and New Hampshire.

Bannon, however, publicly dismissed the report. In comments to Axios, he denied planning a presidential run, saying his focus remains on supporting Trump for another term in office, despite the Constitution’s two-term limit.

“We don’t have a country if we don’t get every ounce of fight and energy from President Trump,” Bannon said, arguing that the 22nd Amendment could be interpreted in a way that allows Trump to seek a third term.

Bannon also said he is working with former Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz on a forthcoming book titled Could President Trump Constitutionally Serve a Third Term?, scheduled for release in March.

Trump, who turns 80 on June 14, was the oldest person ever inaugurated as president. One source quoted by Axios said that if Trump ultimately does not run again, Bannon would “reluctantly say he must carry the mantle,” suggesting his own candidacy could follow.

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