Rudy Giuliani tells CNN: 'I mean a lot in New York politics -- I endorse Donald Trump'

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani begrudgingly endorsed Donald J. Trump for president on Tuesday, but insisted that he would not be part of the campaign.

CNN's Chris Cuomo called the former mayor out during an interview on New Day after Giuliani told Fox News host Megyn Kelly that he would cast his vote for Trump, but refused to officially endorse the billionaire.

"Okay, so I'll endorse him," Giuliani told the CNN host, throwing up his hands. "But I'm not part of the campaign."

"But what's the difference?" Cuomo replied. "Why don't you say, 'I'm Rudy Giuliani, I mean a lot in New York politics, I endorse Donald Trump.'"

"Okay," Giuliani conceded. "I'm Rudy Giuliani, I mean a lot in New York politics, I endorse Donald Trump -- but I'm not part of the campaign."

"I'm willing to accept, if you want to interpret that as an endorsement," he added. "If you interpret that as an endorsement, it's an endorsement. But if you interpret that in any way as a suggestion that you shouldn't vote for Donald Trump, absolutely not. Trump is clearly the best choice."

Giuliani argued that if Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) was the nominee then he would be a "straight overhand fastball for Hillary Clinton."

"She'll knock him out of the park," he predicted. "Trump, she'll have no idea what to do with."

Watch the video below from CNN, broadcast April 19, 2016.