A new report points to some intriguing motivation for former President Donald Trump to run for the nation's top office again in 2024, a decision he has been teasing for over a year.
Trump won't just be running for another term in the White House, but he'll be attempting to outrun legal troubles and possible criminal charges.
In recent months, Trump "has made clear to associates that the legal protections of occupying the Oval Office are front-of-mind for him," according to Rolling Stone.
Citing four people with knowledge of the situation, Rolling Stone says Trump has "spoken about how when you are the president of the United States, it is tough for politically motivated prosecutors to get to you."
The report goes on to say that as Trump talks about running, "he's leaving confidants with the impression that, as his criminal exposure has increased, so has his focus on the legal protections of the executive branch."
Under U.S. law, a sitting president cannot be indicted or criminally prosecuted.
"He says when [not if] he is president again, a new Republican administration will put a stop to the [Justice Department] investigation that he views as the Biden administration working to hit him with criminal charges — or even put him and his people in prison," the report added.
Trump has referenced his 2024 "decision" for over a year. Last July, he told FOX News host Sean Hannity that he had made up his mind about the upcoming election. Most recently, he hinted to a reporter for New York Magazine that his decision to run again has been cemented and it revolves around the midterm elections.
At this point, it's unclear if the Justice Department will pursue charges against Trump in connection with the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
The January 6th Select Committee is currently holding public hearings on its investigation into the events surrounding the insurrection and any involvement Trump potentially had inciting the riot that resulted in multiple dead Capitol Police officers.
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