“President Trump is the person who can basically bring us together,” Manchin told a startled Fox News host.

“I’m praying that he’s able to say ‘listen, enough’s enough. C’mon, we’re all Americans. We’ve gotta live in this world together and our country, and keep it the greatest country on earth,’” he continued.

Manchin retired from the Senate this year after serving 14 years.

During his time in Washington, he watched his coal-powered home state shift steadily Republican, leaving his seat an easy pickup for the GOP in last year’s election.

Since leaving office, Manchin has leaned into his reputation for bipartisanship and centrism, the principles that defined his time as a Senate deal-maker.

He added that Trump is the only political figure today capable of bridging a divide that has never been