Trump Praises Ashley Judd, But Blames Rove For Making Her A ‘Viable Candidate’

Right-wing real estate mogul Donald Trump on Tuesday chimed in on reports that Ashley Judd will launch a U.S. Senate bid in Kentucky, making a point to disparage his foe Karl Rove.

Posting on his prolific Twitter feed, Trump first gave Judd his blessing, saying the actress will make a “great candidate.”

All reports indicate Ashley Judd will be running for Sen. McConnell’s seat. She’s going to be a great candidate.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2013

But in a subsequent tweet, Trump urged Republicans to avoid Rove’s guidance in that race, arguing that the GOP strategist helped make Judd “a viable candidate.”

Re: Ashley Judd: Keep @karlrove away. He already made her a viable candidate.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2013

The Rove-led group American Crossroads rolled out an ad campaign last month that targeted Judd, which drew the ire of Trump.