US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has denied a New York Times report which suggested he was questioning his Vice President’s Mike Pence’s loyalty.

“No I don’t question his loyalty at all. He is 100 per cent loyal. It was a phony story … a typical New York Times phony story,” Mr Trump told reporters. “He is a trooper … I could not be happier,”

The New York Times reported yesterday that Mr Trump had been asking advisers about Mr Pence ahead of preparations for his 2020 re-election campaign.

The president reportedly questioned Mr Pence’s allegiance so many times that a number of his advisers were alarmed.

Mr Pence also responded to the story, saying the pair laughed about the suggestion in a phone call.

“I’m just tempted not to dignified it with a comment,” he said after a pause, adding that the pair had spoken by phone and “it came up.”

“We had a good laugh,” said Mr Pence. “We’ve got a very strong relationship.”

“I’ve been honoured to serve as his vice president, I was honoured when he asked me to run with him.”

Mr Trump has not openly suggested dropping Mr Pence from the ticket with the 2020 presidential election rapidly approaching, the New York Times stressed.

But according to the paper, some advisers have suggested Mr Trump could benefit from a running mate who would help him win support from women.