Donald Trump is exploring a "mini media conglomerate" business to monetize his frequent appearances in the press, unnamed sources told Vanity Fair, though his campaign denies the report.
Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, already owns a TV-production business, according to the publication. But as his bombastic campaign-trail sound bites continue to win him airtime, he may be working on an outside project: a possible "Trump News" cable empire, sources told Vanity Fair.
"Even old Fox News didn't have the right read on what the base is," a person briefed on the matter told the publication. "And we do."
Vanity Fair lists Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who owns the New York Observer, as a consultant on the project. But Hope Hicks, a spokeswoman for the candidate, told Vanity Fair "there are absolutely no plans or discussions taking place regarding a venture of this nature."
It comes as Trump's relationship with the press is increasingly contentious. Trump has revoked press credentials from The Washington Post, Politico and others, and Trump's campaign manager came under fire when he allegedly assaulted Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields. Still, while former presidential hopefuls like Mike Huckabee have found some broadcasting success, running an entire cable channel hasn't been easy for some celebrities, Vanity Fair notes.
For more on Trump News, see the full story at VanityFair.com.