This is not the first time Newt Gingrich has expressed support for Donald Trump. Gingrich endorses Trump, says he's open to VP spot

Newt Gingrich endorsed Donald Trump on Wednesday night while not explicitly ruling out the notion that he could join the Manhattan businessman’s ticket in the fall.

In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, the former House speaker said: “I endorse Donald Trump. I am going to work very hard for the nominee.”


Gingrich said he had not expressed support for the presumptive Republican nominee previously because he was close to other presidential contenders.

“John Kasich is a great personal friend of mine, Ted Cruz ran a great campaign,” the former 2012 presidential candidate said. “I tried to be an objective observer.”

Gingrich’s late-night comments came shortly after Trump told The Associated Press he had narrowed his shortlist of potential vice presidential running mates to “five or six” people.

For his part, Gingrich would not entirely rule out being Trump’s running mate.

“Well, I would certainly talk about it, he told Hannity. “I wouldn’t turn it down automatically.”

The prospect keeps coming back up, Gingrich remarked, because Hannity keeps bringing it up for him. The host then asked who else would balance the budget, adding that this is no time for “half measures.”

Gingrich mentioned former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as a “very powerful” running mate for Trump, as well as Ohio Gov. John Kasich (who has said repeatedly that he does not want the position).

He later remarked, “I'm in the ‘not no’ column.”

Gingrich has been praising and defending Trump for months on Twitter and in TV appearances, and has helped him navigate Washington and Capitol Hill.

In May, Gingrich condemned House Speaker Paul Ryan for not endorsing the billionaire businessman after his two remaining rivals, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, suspended their campaigns.

“In the case of Paul Ryan, he made a big mistake today and he needs to understand this. He needs to understand this. He is the speaker of the House. He has an obligation to unify the party,” Gingrich told Hannity.

In March, Gingrich lauded Trump’s accomplishments in real estate.

“You are talking about a guy who was smart enough to build Trump Towers, build lots of hotels, build lots of casinos, and own the Miss Universe contest. He is not stupid. For many people, that seems to be inconceivable because they have a university Ph.D. theory of being smart,” Gingrich said in an interview with Slate’s Isaac Chotiner.

In addition, Gingrich lauded Trump's listening skills after attending a meeting in Washington.

“Callista and I were both very impressed,” Gingrich said, referring to his wife. “In that kind of a setting he talks in a relatively low tone. He is very much somebody who has been good at business. And he listens well.”