WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Donald Trump offered very public praise for a political candidate vying to unseat House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Trump thanked Ryan's Republican Primary challenger Paul Nehlen on Twitter. He wrote, "Thanks to P-Nehlen for your kind words, very much appreciated."

Nehlen, who like Trump is a businessman who's never held public office, has recently tweeted comments supporting the GOP nominee.

Nehlen responded to Trump tweeting, "My pleasure, sir. Just want to make America great again."

Although Ryan endorsed Trump's presidential bid weeks after he became the presumptive republican nominee...he has criticized Trump for some of his controversial words and proposals.

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