'Big step up from Ron DeSanctimonious!' Trump praises new GOP presidential challenger

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) entered the 2024 Republican presidential primary on Monday – and his announcement did not receive the usual hostile treatment from former President Donald Trump.

In fact, the former president had nothing but kind things to say about the South Carolina senator, whom he lauded for past work he did during Trump's first term in office.

"Good luck to Senator Tim Scott in entering the Republican Presidential Primary Race," Trump wrote on his Truth Social website. "It is rapidly loading up with lots of people, and Tim is a big step up from Ron DeSanctimonious, who is totally unelectable. I got Opportunity Zones done with Tim, a big deal that has been highly successful. Good luck Tim!"

While Trump may be heaping praise upon Scott, it's also the case that polls show Scott isn't anywhere near the threat to Trump's quest for the GOP nomination that DeSantis is.

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In fact, polling averages from FiveThirtyEight indicate that DeSantis is the only Republican contender to even show double-digit support in the 2024 primary, and that only former Vice President Mike Pence commands the support of even 5 percent of the 2024 Republican primary electorate.