Rick Scott invents award for Donald Trump

Trump scored an award from U.S. Sen. Rick Scott.

Donald Trump may be a former President of the United States, but the plaudits keep coming nonetheless.

The most recent example came this weekend, when the one-term Republican received an award courtesy of U.S. Sen. Rick Scott.

Scott, who helms the National Republican Senatorial Committee, presented Trump with the first NRSC Champion for Freedom Award, according to the committee office.

“This award is presented to conservative leaders who have worked tirelessly to create good jobs, protect the values that make our country great, and stop the Democrats’ socialist agenda. As president, Donald Trump delivered for the American people by appointing three pro-Constitution judges to the Supreme Court, cutting taxes for middle-class families and job creators, and securing the border,” the press release from the NRSC explains, setting up a quote from Scott himself.

“President Trump is a proven champion for all Americans,” Scott said.

“Throughout his administration, he made clear his commitment to getting government out of the way of people’s success, paving the way for American families and job creators to reach new heights. President Trump fought for American workers, secured the border, and protected our constitutional rights. We are grateful for his service to our country and are honored to present him with the NRSC’s first Champion for Freedom award.”

The NRSC award was presented to Trump on the same weekend he made news that may or may not be in Scott’s political interest.

Scott, who has contended the so-called “civil war” in the Republican Party was “over,” was likely not mollified by Trump calling Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell a “dumb son of a b**ch” Saturday night.

However, by Monday evening Scott found his way to tweet on his political @ScottForFlorida handle: “President Trump is reported to have referred to Senator McConnell on Saturday as a “dumb SOB.” As all of my colleagues in the Senate know, this is not true. He’s a very smart SOB.”

Nor could Scott be encouraged by the other bombshell from the weekend in South Florida, with whispers that Trump may be eyeing his successor as Governor, Ron DeSantis, as a potential running mate if Trump runs again in 2024. DeSantis shared the stage with Trump this weekend, as noted by POLITICO Playbook, whereas Scott appeared to have given Trump his award in a private ceremony.

Prediction markets also point to a DeSantis surge, perhaps even as the 2024 nominee ahead of Trump.

DeSantis is the No. 1 pick among political forecasters on PredictIt, with a yes share valued at $0.24, ahead of even Trump. A Scott yes share, meanwhile, comes in at just $0.03.