Donald Trump has warned Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis against running for president in 2024, saying doing so would harm the Republican Party.
He also threatened to release unflattering information about the 44-year-old, without providing details.
Mr DeSantis won a landslide victory in Tuesday's midterms, underlining his popularity and further fuelling speculation he will launch a bid.
Mr Trump is also tipped to announce a presidential run in the coming days.
He told US network Fox News that the Florida governor should stay out of the race.
"I don't know if he is running. I think if he runs, he could hurt himself very badly. I really believe he could hurt himself badly," Mr Trump said. "I don't think it would be good for the party."
Mr DeSantis is considered by many to be the most likely candidate to supplant Mr Trump as the Republican candidate to run for president in 2024.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63563862