Nov 28 (Reuters) - Republican mega-donor Bernie Marcus announced on Tuesday that he would continue to financially support former President Donald Trump's potential 2024 presidential campaign, even if Trump were to be convicted of a crime. However, Marcus clarified that he would not be one of Trump's primary financial backers.

Marcus, the co-founder of The Home Depot, publicly declared his support for Trump earlier this month, as the former president remains the leading contender for the 2024 Republican nomination. Trump currently faces multiple criminal cases, both on state and federal levels, related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The ongoing legal challenges have raised questions about the future of Trump's campaign if he were to be convicted or incarcerated.

During an interview with Reuters, Marcus was asked whether he would still back Trump in the event of a conviction. Marcus confidently replied, "I think so. Because I think it's all trumped up" suggesting his belief in the former president's innocence.

Having supported Trump's presidential campaigns in both 2016 and 2020, Marcus explained that he had recently spoken with Trump, but had not discussed his legal challenges. Marcus expressed that Trump was pleased with his support, stating that the former president was "very happy."

During the 2020 election cycle, Marcus and his wife Billi Wilma Marcus were the seventh-largest individual Republican donors, donating nearly $25 million to Republican campaigns, according to OpenSecrets. Forbes estimates Marcus' net worth at around $8.8 billion.

While Marcus did not disclose specific donation plans this time around, he made it clear that he would support Trump in the primary as well as the general election against President Joe Biden in November 2024 if Trump becomes the Republican nominee. However, Marcus emphasized that he would not serve as a significant financial contributor.

Though Marcus expressed admiration for other Republican contenders such as Nikki Haley, former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, he believed that they would not be able to surpass Trump in the nomination race. Marcus praised Trump as a "fixer" who he believed would benefit the U.S. economy and display strength in Middle East foreign policy.

As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, Marcus's position as a prominent donor may influence other Republican contributors as they navigate their support for potential candidates. Trump's legal challenges continue to cast a shadow over his political future, raising further speculation about his ability to mount a successful campaign. However, Marcus's unwavering support for Trump, regardless of these challenges, underscores the billionaire's confidence in the former president's innocence and political prowess.