Trump praises GOP challenger Tim Scott, says he could be in next administration

Former President Donald Trump praised South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who is challenging him for the Republican presidential nomination, and said he may have a spot in the next Trump administration if he wins the election.

Trump's comments about Scott came on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" after host Maria Bartiromo asked him whether he could picture anyone in the Republican primary field becoming his potential running mate.

"I think you have some very talented people. I've been impressed by some of them. Some of them I'm very friendly with," Trump responded. "Actually, a number of them called me up not to ask for permission, but sort of to ask for permission, to say they'd like to do it. A number of the people up there – I'm not going to embarrass them by saying who – but no, I think you have good people. I think you have good potential Cabinet members to actually do that."

"Do you see yourself perhaps with the senator, Tim Scott?" Bartiromo followed up. 

"I think he's a very good guy," Trump said. "I could see Tim doing something with the administration, but he's in right now campaigning…. But Tim is a talented guy, and you have other very talented people."

Scott responded to Fox's request for comment: "I did not enter this race to come in second place. Second place is the first loser."

Trump is significantly ahead of all other GOP primary candidates.

Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.