notes in his op-ed there are areas that he agrees with the Trump administration's policies, like appointing conservative judges and remove "excessive regulations," the New Year's Day piece was also a detailed critique of Trump's character.

"A president should demonstrate the essential qualities of honesty and integrity, and elevate the national discourse with comity and mutual respect," Romney wrote.

"As a nation, we have been blessed with presidents who have called on the greatness of the American spirit. With the nation so divided, resentful and angry, presidential leadership in qualities of character is indispensable. And it is in this province where the incumbent's shortfall has been most glaring."

Romney, although an incoming senator for Utah, also served as governor of Massachusetts and was the 2012 Republican nominee for president. He willbe sworn in as a new member of Congress on Thursday, a role that Trump endorsed him for during the midterm election.

When asked by Tapper if he regretted accepting Trump's endorsement, Romney said, "He was endorsing me, I wasn't endorsing him."

Romney, who was also floated as a potential choice to serve as secretary of state when Trump was initially building his administration, said he didn't think Trump "followed through" on his promise to act more presidential after the election.

"Well, you know, after he was elected president, it was very much my hope that he would rise to the occasion, rise to the mantle of the office," Romney said. "After all, becoming President of the United States is quite an elevation for anybody. And he has said during the