In a surprising turn of events at the Libertarian National Convention, former President Donald Trump was met with resounding boos as he made a plea for the party's 2024 nomination. However, according to one of his potential vice-presidential candidates, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), this negative reception is actually an indication of Trump's increasing popularity.

Appearing on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday morning, Sen. Scott addressed the Libertarian National Convention ordeal and suggested that the wave of red hats in attendance served as a testament to Trump's rising support. "Donald Trump's popularity continues to increase," the senator explained to host Dana Bash.

While the booing incident dominated the conversation, Sen. Scott quickly shifted the focus to Trump's wider campaign efforts. He highlighted the former president's recent rallies in the Bronx, which drew attention due to their comically overstated crowd size. "He's doing something I consider a 50-state strategy," the senator asserted. "I give him a lot of credit in going to places where Republicans have not gone before. If we're going to win this election cycle, we must go where we're not invited."

The invitation for Trump to deliver a primetime address at the Libertarian Party's eccentric election-year confab was met with mixed reactions. The Daily Beast's Mini Racker, reporting from the scene, described the surprise and discomfort in the room as the former president took the stage. Boos erupted immediately and persisted throughout his speech, marking one of the most negative receptions Trump has ever received.

Even when Trump attempted to elicit a warmer response from the crowd and sought the party's nomination for president, the booing persisted. At one point, a clash between libertarian activists and a group of red MAGA hat-donning Trump supporters further highlighted the tense atmosphere.

Prior to the speech, libertarian activist Marta Howard expressed skepticism about the decision to invite Trump, stating, "I think it was a bad idea. Not all publicity is good publicity."

While the reception at the Libertarian National Convention may have been hostile, Trump's potential vice-presidential pick, Sen. Scott, remains optimistic about the former president's prospects. Despite the boos, Scott believes that Trump's ability to attract large crowds and venture into new territories indicates a growing popularity that could play a crucial role in future elections.

As the 2024 presidential race looms, the outcome of Trump's bid for the Libertarian nomination remains uncertain. However, the mixed reception at the convention serves as a reminder of the challenges and detractors the former president may face on the campaign trail.