NEW YORK (AP) — Real estate mogul Donald Trump says he expects Texas Gov. Rick Perry will do “very nicely” as a presidential candidate. But the reality TV show host isn’t ready to endorse anyone in the race and says he still may run as an independent.

Speaking to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Trump said voters are looking for a candidate who will shake up the GOP contest and that Perry is well positioned to do so.

But Trump says he would join the race next year if he thought the eventual GOP nominee couldn’t beat President Barack Obama. He says he’ll make a decision in the spring.

Trump defends Perry’s suggestion that Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke would be committing a treasonous act if he pumped more money into the economy.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.