Trump Mocks Potential Running Mate Tim Scott Over His Failed Presidential Run: ‘I Watched His Campaign’

Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump rewarded Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) for his loyalty on Tuesday by indicating that he might choose Scott as his running mate — but the praise came with a catch.

Asked about the “qualities” he was looking for in a vice presidential nominee, Trump said that “the first quality has to be somebody that you think will be a good president, because if something should happen, you have to have somebody that’s going to be a great president” before pivoting to talk about Scott.

“A lot of people are talking about that gentleman right over there, and he’s been so great,” noted Trump, gesturing toward Scott, who was seated in the audience. “He’s been such a great advocate. I have to say, I don’t, this is in a very positive way: Tim Scott, he has been much better for me than he was for himself. I watched his campaign and he doesn’t like talking about himself, but boy does he talk about Trump. And I said, you know, I called him. I said, ‘Tim, you’re better for me than you were for yourself.'”

“But he’s fantastic and he’s a fantastic person,” added Trump before acknowledging that he had a number of candidates on his shortlist.

Scott smiled and chuckled at first, but grimaced toward the end of Trump’s monologue.

Trump’s comments follow others seemingly designed to humiliate Scott in recent weeks. Shortly after Scott endorsed Trump, the former president introduced him at an event by alluding to salacious rumors that the recently-engaged senator is gay.

“Today it was a big story, the biggest story out there: He’s engaged to be married. We never thought this was going to happen. What’s going on?” asked Trump mischievously.

Then, during a bitter victory speech following the New Hampshire primary, Trump lambasted his lone remaining rival in the GOP primary, Nikki Haley, and alluded to Scott’s betrayal of his former political ally, who appointed him to the Senate in the first place.

“Did you ever think that she actually appointed you, Tim? And think of it. Appointed and you’re the senator of her state. And she endorsed me. You must really hate her. Nah. It’s a shame,” said Trump.

“I just love you!” exclaimed Scott in reply.

Watch above via Fox News.