Vice President Mike Pence calls claims he will run in 2020 'disgraceful and offensive'

US Vice President Mike Pence has denied reports that he will run for president in 2020, calling them "disgraceful and offensive".

"Today's article in the New York Times is disgraceful and offensive to me, my family, and our entire team," he said in a statement. "The allegations in the article are categorically false and represent just the latest attempt by the media to divide this administration."

Mr Pence spoke out in response to a Times article that detailed his notable political activity in recent months, including the creation of his own political action committee and meetings with Republican donors at his private residence.

The Times reported that multiple Pence advisers had signalled that he would run in 2020 if Donald Trump did not.

The White House moved quickly to shut down these reports. Pence spokesman Marc Lotter lashed out on Twitter, calling the article "fake news" and "wishful thinking".

Mr Pence released his statement shortly thereafter, condemning the claims as "laughable and absurd".

"Whatever fake news may come our way, my entire team will continue to focus all our efforts to advance the President's agenda and see him re-elected in 2020," he said.

Still, the Vice President has been markedly more active than previous inhabitants of his office, speaking at major Republican events and hiring a competitive political strategist, Nick Ayers, as his chief of staff. (Mr Ayers dismissed the Times report as a "total lie".)

Other Republicans in the field are said to be keeping an eye on Mr Pence's moves.

“They see him moving around, having big donors at the house for dinner,” longtime Washington lobbyist Charles R Black J told the Times. “And they’ve got to try to keep up.”

Even if Mr Pence doesn't stage a run in 2020, there are plenty of other Republicans who seem eager to step into the ring.

Senator Tom Cotton, who appeared with the President just last week to promote his immigration legislation, is planning a $5,000-per-person fundraiser in New York next month. He has also frequented Iowa – the site of the first Democratic and Republican presidential caucuses every four years.

Advisers for Senator Ben Sasse, a frequent critic of the President, have reportedly been discussing the formation of an advocacy group to amplify his message across the country. (A spokesperson for Mr Sasse denied any interest in a 2020 presidential run.)

It's possible that these would-be challengers sense a popular backlash brewing against the President, who was never popular amongst establishment Republicans in the first place.

Mr Trump's approval ratings currently hover under 40 per cent, and he is losing ground with independent voters. His failure to sign any significant legislation – including a repeal of Obamacare – and the ongoing investigation of his ties to Russia have raised concerns as to his effectiveness.

“[Republicans] see weakness in this president,” Senator John McCain told the Times. “Look, it’s not a nice business we’re in.”