President Donald Trump on Friday floated the possibility of nominating Sen. Ted Cruz to the U.S. Supreme Court, praising the Texas Republican's legal talents while joking that both parties would eagerly confirm him to remove him from the Senate.

Trump made the remarks at the Port of Corpus Christi during an energy briefing attended by Cruz, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Introducing Cruz, Trump said, "I'm thinking about putting him in the Supreme Court... He's the only guy I know who'll get 100% of the Democrat vote, 100% of the Republican vote. They want to get him out of there. He is such a pain in the a--, but he's so good and so talented."

The president added, "If we ever had a problem, I would just pick Ted. That would solve that problem. He's a great guy, and he's a very talented guy, too smart." Cruz, who accompanied Trump to a Whataburger afterward, has extensive judicial credentials. A 1995 Harvard Law School graduate, he clerked for Chief Justice William Rehnquist and argued nine cases before the Supreme Court, including eight as Texas solicitor general.

No vacancy currently exists on the nine-member court, where Trump already appointed three justices during his first term: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. Speculation persists about potential retirements, particularly Justice Samuel Alito, amid rumors tied to his upcoming book release and age of 75. However, Alito has not indicated plans to step down.

This is not the first time Trump has raised Cruz's name. In late January, Trump similarly suggested the senator for a court seat, prompting Cruz to respond, "Hell no," indicating no interest at the time. No immediate response from Cruz followed Friday's comments. The remarks came days before Texas's primary elections, with Republicans defending their congressional majority amid midterm pressures.

Cruz, sworn into the Senate in 2013, has focused on limited government, economic growth, and national security. His potential elevation would be unusual, shifting a sitting senator to the judiciary, though his experience aligns with past nominees.