With many candidates planning to throw their hats into the 2016 presidential race, real estate mogul Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating a candidacy to the White House as well.
"I can tell you there's a very substantial chance I will (run)," Trump told UK MailOnline in an interview Monday before he spoke at an event hosted by the Economic Club of Washington. But, he added, "I don't want to put a number on it."
The billionaire insisted that he "would rather do what I'm doing than run for president, but I love the country more."
"Until I see someone I think is outstanding, I'd be inclined to do it," he added.
Next month, "The Apprentice" star is scheduled to appear at three separate events in Iowa, one of the three marquee states whose Republican voters will anoint a front-runner in the 2016 presidential nomination contest, according to CNN.
Although it hasn't been announced publicly, the other two political events are lined up in New Hampshire and South Carolina, sources told UK MailOnline.
"Everybody wants me in there," Trump said of his nationwide support among Republican leaders. "I helped lots of people get elected (this year). I did lots of robocalls for people. Everybody I did a robocall for won."
On Monday's event, Trump reiterated that he is "considering a run very strongly. A lot of people believe I'm having fun with it, and I enjoy the process, but the country is in serious trouble."
"I think we need someone very good, very fast, or we'll be in a lot of trouble," Trump said.
However the public remarks amused a GOP political operative in Iowa, who said Trump is "one of a kind, and that scares the hell out of a lot of people," The Daily Caller reported.
"I don't think he's serious, but can you imagine if he were?" the campaign adviser asked on Monday. "Holy s--t, would that be fun to watch. And he's so rich he wouldn't have to kiss anyone's ass for donations."
"He's a loose cannon with a private jet. I can't wait," he added.
Meanwhile, the 68-year-old said he would only announce a decision "sometime after the beginning of the year. Probably sometime in March, April or May."
