Speaking in a radio interview recorded on Saturday, former sheriff Joe Arpaio declared "I'm not going away" and hinted at a public career move one day after being pardoned by President Donald Trump.

Arpaio also used the interview to hit back at Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) for criticizing Trump's decision to pardon the former sheriff for criminal contempt of court. Arpaio said he was "a little surprised" by McCain's comments and alleged that McCain was just trying to "make the president look bad."

Arpaio slammed McCain for casting a decisive vote on a bill to repeal some parts of Obamacare: "Think of that. Think of that and how many people are going to suffer. He should be supporting our president."

Arpaio was convicted last month for defying a judge's order to not detain suspected illegal immigrants. He had faced up to six months in prison and possible fines.