Oprah Winfrey is apparently "intrigued" by the idea of running for president. Photo / AP
Oprah Winfrey is apparently "intrigued" by the idea of running for president. Photo / AP
US President Donald Trump has responded to speculation Oprah Winfrey could run against him in 2020, saying it "would be a lot of fun".
Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Washington, Trump was asked by assembled media what he thought of a Winfrey presidential bid.
"Yeah I'll beat Oprah," Trump responded quickly.
President Trump on Oprah: “Yeah, I’ll beat Oprah. Oprah would be a lot of fun. I know her very well… I like Oprah. I don’t think she’s going to run.” https://t.co/mvn286yRqOpic.twitter.com/l4EOBQcrtg
"I did one of her last [television] shows ... I like Oprah. I know her very well."
However, he didn't seem as convinced as half of America that the media titan would run after her rousing speech at the Golden Globes electrified not only the room, but the country.
"I don't think she's going to run," added Mr Trump.
It comes as Winfrey's BFF Gayle King spoke about the likelihood of her friend becoming US president.
King said the former talk show queen was "intrigued" by the idea of running for president.
"I do think she is intrigued by the idea," she said. "She loves this country and would love to be at service in some way."
Oprah's best friend, journalist Gayle King, said she doesn't think Oprah is actively considering a run at the US presidency "at this time". Photo / Getty
"I don't think she is actively considering it at this time," King said.
Presidential rumours ramped up after Winfrey gave a powerful speech at the Golden Globes.
King said that people had already approached Winfrey about being her campaign manager and helping her run.
Her longtime partner Stedman Graham added fuel to the fire by telling the Los Angeles Times a presidential run isn't totally out.
Stedman Graham and Oprah Winfrey celebrate The 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. Photo / Getty
"It's up to the people," he said. "She would absolutely do it."
The White House said they would not be phased if Winfrey decided to run.
"We welcome the challenger, whether it be Oprah Winfrey or anybody else," Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley said.