Crossword Genius

Old president claims character as advantage (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trump card

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'advantage' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'old president claims character' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'president' could be 'trump' (Donald Trump) and 'trump' is located in the answer.
'character' could be 'card' (I've seen this before) and 'card' is located in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trump card that I've seen before include "Trick winner" , "Secret advantage" , "winning move" , "Useful expedient" , "winner at the table?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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