Vanity Fair reported Thursday that Donald Trump is researching ways to create his own media company, citing anonymous sources familiar with his discussions.
Trump was reportedly investigating ways to tap the vast “audience” that has backed his campaign for the White House in order to support his own media conglomerate, the publication reported.
One unnamed person who spoked to Vanity Fair suggested that Trump has become irritated that he hasn’t profited from his own presidential campaign as media networks have. He’s reportedly gone so far as to consult his daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner, who owns The New York Observer on his intentions. (Neither Ivanka Trump nor Kushner offered comment for the piece).
Trump’s campaign spokeswoman at first denied that any conversations about forming a media company had taken place.
“There is absolutely no truth to this whatsoever. This hasn’t been even uttered. Not even thought about,” she told Vanity Fair.
Then, she issued another statement after speaking with Trump.
“While it’s true Mr. Trump garners exceptionally high ratings, there are absolutely no plans or discussions taking place regarding a venture of this nature,” she told the magazine.
Trump has repeatedly noted on the campaign trail that he has brought thousands of new viewers to networks and increased their ratings.
Read Vanity Fair’s full report here.