Arnold Schwarzenegger Dodged Donald Trump Presidency Questions Earlier This Summer Before ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ Announcement

“I have always been a huge fan of ‘The Celebrity Apprentice,'" former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told Variety after it was announced Monday that he would replace Donald Trump as the host of Season 15 of the NBC reality series. Schwarzenegger has been less enthusiastic about Trump himself, however, since the real estate mogul jilted the series to announce his presidential campaign.

When Trump announced in June, Schwarzenegger was reluctant to make any specific comments about the controversial businessman-turned-politician or his polarizing remarks on immigration and women.

"I'm not having any opinions about any candidates right now other than there's some good ones there and I think that people will weed out [the bad ones] as time goes on," the 68-year-old "Terminator" star told E! News. "I think a lot of them will make a lot of noise and say outrageous things so they can be heard. And they sometimes will say crazy things and sometimes smart things, so that's the way it's going to be."

In July, ahead of the first Republican debate on Fox News, Schwarzenegger was more willing to criticize certain comments made by the controversial Trump, but he still maintained that the candidate had time to focus his message.

"As he goes on, he's going to say things that are out there and are hideous and that will sometimes hurt the party and hurt himself," Schwarzenegger told USA Today. "[The candidates at the debate] will understand what they need to say to communicate and not to say things that maybe are not appropriate."

Whatever Schwarzenegger may think of Trump politically, it seems he is fan of his TV show. CNBC reported Monday that the actor/politician had been named Trump's replacement for Season 15, which, due to Trump's unexpected departure, will not air until 2016. Schwarzenegger -- his photo covered in rainbow colors in support of same-sex marriage -- took to Twitter to express his excitement about his new gig and thank fans for their enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Trump had no problem with NBC's decision, tweeting his approval Monday.