President Donald Trump made an eyebrow-raising suggestion about Sen. Ted Cruz’s (R-Texas) future alongside a pointed jab at his former political rival.

Speaking at an Oval Office event Monday to commemorate the launch of Trump Accounts, a program aimed at giving young Americans a stake in the stock market, Trump introduced Cruz by deeming him a “tough competitor” who eventually became a “friend,” alluding to the senator’s failed 2016 presidential campaign.

“He’s done a wonderful job as a senator, highly respected,” the president said. “In fact, somebody said, ‘Will you ever appoint him to the U. S. Supreme Court, because he’s a brilliant lawyer?’ I said, ‘Well, he’s the only one I can think of that’s going to get 100 votes. All Republicans will vote for him. All Democrats will vote him because they want to get him the hell out of the Senate.’”

He went on to note: “If I was having a hard time with getting the votes, I would appoint Ted Cruz. I get 100%, a guarantee.”

Trump has filled three of the last four Supreme Court vacancies, the most of any president in the 21st century. His picks have led to a conservative majority that has ruled against abortion and LGBTQ+ rights while expanding presidential power.

Cruz could be seen laughing after Trump’s remarks, suggesting he didn’t take them too seriously. During the same event, the senator seemingly incensed Trump by praising his meddling in the World Cup on behalf of U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun, a move the president himself has confirmed.

Trump’s jibe, however, comes as Cruz is reportedly laying the groundwork for a 2028 presidential campaign. The senator has mostly sidestepped questions about his future, telling Fox News in November of last year, “I got a job. It’s representing 31 million Texans, and it’s fighting every day for 31 million Texans.”