THE POSSIBILITY OF Donald Trump running for president in the US became a little more real yesterday when a top aide to billionaire was dispatched to Iowa for a series of meetings, aimed at gauging interest in his possible bid for the presidency.

Five potential Republican candidates were gathering to speak to the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition in Waukee, Iowa, reports Reuters. They were former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer and former Godfathers Pizza CEO Herman Cain.

Trump’s aide Michael Cohen met with key Republicans such as state chairman Matt Strawn and his business partner Jeff Lamberti – as well as high-profile GOP lawyer Doug Gross.

Trump last week said he was “very seriously” considering a run for president and was dispatching key aides to view the landscape in Iowa, where precinct caucuses traditionally launch the presidential nominating season.

Cohen said his testing of the waters was “really fantastic” after his meeting with key activists.

“People in Iowa really want to see Donald Trump run for president,” he said. “When the time comes to caucus, my hope is Mr Trump will have a substantial head start.”

Additional reporting by AP