Sources: Trump encourages Corker to run for re-election in 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — President Donald Trump is encouraging Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee to run for another term, according to two people familiar with a meeting between the two Republicans at the White House last week.

The Friday meeting was the first between Corker and Trump since they clashed over the president's comments about a violent white supremacist rally in Virginia last month.

► More:Trump, Corker have 'very productive' meeting in the Oval Office

The people familiar with the discussion declined to be identified because they were not authorized to discuss the conversation publicly. The White House declined comment on Monday.

Corker hasn't said if he's running again

Corker, the chairman of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has so far declined to say whether he will seek a third term.

One conservative activist announced last week that he will run for the GOP nomination in Tennessee, and at least two others are considering bids.

► More:Conservative activist Andy Ogles launches U.S. Senate bid for seat held by Bob Corker

Corker had a $6.5 million balance in his campaign account at the end of the last reporting period, the most among GOP senators facing re-elections next year. Corker has since increased his cash on hand by $1 million, according to his office.

GOP senator engaged in public spat with Trump

Corker had criticized the president after he blamed both white nationalists and anti-racist protesters for the violence at the Charlottesville rally, questioning whether Trump had shown the "stability" and "competence" to succeed in office.

Trump responded on Twitter: "Strange statement by Bob Corker considering that he is constantly asking me whether or not he should run again in '18." Trump added, "Tennessee not happy!"

Corker's detractors in Tennessee have been keen to highlight the discord between senator and the president, who remains highly popular in the state.

Re-election decision coming 'very soon,' says Corker

But Corker has downplayed any notion of a rift between himself and Trump, telling reporters last week that "for people to try to act as if there is daylight between us as a result is just not true."

► More:Corker on relationship with Trump: 'Back to business as usual'

Corker, 65, has surprised political observers in Tennessee by refusing to divulge whether he will run again. Although the former Chattanooga mayor pledged before his election in 2006 to only serve two terms in the Senate, he has been widely expected to run again because of his seniority on the foreign relations and banking committees.

The senator said last week that he will announce his decision about his political future "very soon."

Tennessee's primary election is scheduled for August 2018.