Joe Arpaio — the embattled former Arizona sheriff who may be pardoned on contempt of court charges by President Donald Trump — has praised the commander in chief as having "guts and courage" in the face of growing calls for his ouster.

"We need him and I feel sad how they're trying to destroy him. It makes me sick," Arpaio said in an interview with NPR's Wade Goodwyn on Thursday. "I'll tell you one thing he's got guts and courage and that's what this country needs."

Arpaio, 85, is the tough-talking former sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona and was convicted of criminal contempt by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton for "willfully violating an order of the court" to end his crackdown on immigrants.

Trump said earlier this month that he may consider pardoning Arpaio who has been a longtime supporter.

"As far as the situation on a pardon, I didn't ask for it but I will accept it if he does do it. This president understands what I've been going through," he said.

Arpaio also said he could run for office again, telling NPR, "I'm not going away."