Top advisers to Donald Trump are planning a new political organization outside the White House to capitalize on his populist candidacy, Politico reports.

The plans, while still in the early stages, are similar to what President Barack Obama did when he first took office in 2008, according to Politico. Obama's campaign leaders formed the non-profit Organizing For America.

Politico notes Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway has been pushing to create the separate political arm. It was uncertain who would be in charge of it.

"You need someone who everyone knows is trusted by the president, who is an insider who's on the outside doing that," Politico quotes one Trump adviser.

The organization would play off the grassroots enthusiasm that led to Trump's upset victory, Politico notes. It is designed to keep his supporters engaged in upcoming legislative battles.

But finding someone to lead the effort could prove difficult. The number of trusted Trump confidants is "exceedingly small" as his transition team looks to staff the White House and Republican National Committee, the website reports.

"The fear is that we would be cannibalizing ourselves," the Trump adviser said.