Bush said in a Washington Post op-ed that Trump does not represent the future of the GOP or what it stands for.

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"While he has no doubt tapped into the anxiety so prevalent in the United States today, I do not believe Donald Trump reflects the principles or inclusive legacy of the Republican Party. And I sincerely hope he doesn’t represent its future," Bush wrote.

"Trump’s abrasive, Know Nothing-like nativist rhetoric has blocked out sober discourse about how to tackle America’s big challenges," he added.

Rebuilding the trust in American government, the Florida governor said, "requires that we be the catalysts that lead to change."

He called for GOP focus on keeping control of Congress and state governments.

“Let’s move beyond the daily fray of who is disparaging whom on Twitter, and rally around a policy agenda that will lead to greater economic growth, revitalized leadership on the global stage and a strengthened democracy," Bush added.

He also called for an end to crony capitalism, establishment of term limits, a coherent foreign policy, and stronger communities.

“This year has taught us the risks of letting personalities run roughshod over substance and principle. Let’s reintroduce civility, ideas and optimism back into politics."

Bush, originally a favorite to win the GOP’s presidential primary, dropped out of the race in February. Trump, who delighted in attacking Bush on the campaign trail, will become the party’s nominee next week at the Republican National Convention.