A circus elephant greets supporters of Donald Trump outside a campaign rally Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015 in Sarasota, Fla. | AP Photo Newt: Trump might ride into convention on an elephant

The elephant has long been the mascot of the Republican Party, but former House speaker Newt Gingrich says Donald Trump could take the GOP’s affection for the animal to new heights.

“He is a great showman," Gingrich told the Christian Broadcasting Network’s David Brody. "We have no idea what a Donald Trump convention will be like. I would not be shocked to see him ride in on Thursday night on an elephant. Who knows!?”


Gingrich, who has been critical of Trump’s attacks against U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel over his Mexican heritage, said the Republican nominee must pivot to a campaign that will unite the GOP behind him. The former speaker highlighted the recent disappointing May jobs report and Hillary Clinton’s record as secretary of state as major issues Trump could ride to the White House.

“The person who’s most likely to beat Donald Trump is Donald Trump,” Gingrich said. “He needs to focus on winning the presidency. There are 60 secondary arguments that the news media would like him to be involved in, none of which help him win the presidency. And then there are the big arguments that will crush Hillary.”