Trump dismisses Oprah Winfrey challenge saying he is confident he can beat her in an election

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has dismissed fears that he may be ousted from the White House by celebrity broadcaster Oprah Winfrey boasting that he would beat her in a head-to-head contest should she decide to run for the US presidency.

Over recent weeks, Oprah had been touted as a possible candidate for the White House in 2020 when presidential elections are due although she has not declared an interest yet. One of Ms Winfrey’s closest friends said the media mogul and actress was intrigue” by the possibility of running but was not considering it now.

Speculation about a 2020 White House bid by Winfrey blew up on social media and news outlets after her rousing new day speech at the Golden Globes Awards show on Sunday night. Her speech touched on female and black empowerment, her roots in poverty and support of those who speak up about sexual abuse and harassment.

However, some media commentators also injected scepticism into the surge of excitement among fans of the former talk show star, saying the Democratic Party and the country might well reject the notion of another celebrity political novice following President Trump’s 2016 election. Ms Winfrey, long associated with Democratic politics and fundraising, has not commented publicly on the speculation.

Known to millions by her first name, Ms Winfrey, 63, has been a cultural force in the country for decades. However, her confidante Gayle King, said there was no change in Ms Winfrey’s past position that she is not interested in running for president.

Speaking yesterday, President Trump, said: "Yeah I’ll beat Oprah and she would be a lot of fun, I know her very well.  I like Oprah but I don’t think she’s going to run.”

Since assuming office, President Trump has been the subject of fierce criticism over his numerous controversial policies and his popularity has plummeted. So far, no Democratic challengers have emerged yet but the party will be keen to kick Mr Trump out in two years time.