Former President Jimmy Carter implies Trump is a jerk, then says he prays for him

Former President Jimmy Carter took a swipe at President Donald Trump on Friday, and then said he prays for him. He made the comments during an appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."

"You were the president after Nixon and Ford and America felt like they wanted a nice guy in there," Colbert told Carter. He also noted that Carter was criticized for being "too nice" to be president, based the demeanor and "energy" he brought to the job.

"Does America kind of want a jerk as president?" Colbert asked.

"Apparently, from this recent election," Carter said, taking a swipe at Trump. "I never knew it before."

What is Carter praying for?

But Carter said he prays for Trump — that he will be a good president, keep America at peace, refrain from using nuclear weapons and promote human rights.

"So yeah, I pray for him," Carter said.

Does Carter believe his prayers are being answered?

"Well, I used to have a pastor who would say, 'If you pray, God has three answers.' One is yes. The other one is no. And the third one is you've got to be kidding," Carter said. "So, I'm not sure which one it is yet."

Carter went on to say he used to think a good president is someone who tells the truth.

"But I've changed my mind lately," Carter said, adding that he believes it's OK to tell "little white lies."

What else did he say?

Carter still meets with other past presidents, and has an upcoming meeting with former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, he said. Carter didn't say what the meeting is about.

Colbert asked Carter if he has any plans to run for president in 2020, drawing a cheer from the audience.

The 93-year-old Carter laughed and replied: "I think there's an age limit."

Carter also discussed his new book, "Faith: A Journey for All," which examines the different meanings of faith.

"The religious aspects of faith are also covered, since this is how the word is most often used, and I have included a description of the ways my faith has guided and sustained me, as well as how it has challenged and driven me to seek a closer and better relationship with people and with God," a summary of the book states.

Since leaving the White House, Carter founded The Carter Center, and has worked with Habitat for Humanity.