President Biden’s praise for the previous administration’s efforts in rolling out a COVID-19 vaccine “surprised” former President Trump, the 45th president said Tuesday. 

“Thanks to the prior administration and our scientific community, America was one of the first countries to get the vaccine,” Biden said in remarks from the White House in an update on the U.S. coronavirus strategy. 

“Thanks to my administration and the hard work of Americans, we led a rollout that made America among the world leaders in getting shots in arms,” he added, referring to the Trump administration’s COVID-19 vaccine effort dubbed “Operation Warp Speed.”

Trump told Fox News in an interview Tuesday night he was both surprised and appreciative of Biden’s comments, adding he believes they will move the country forward. 

"I'm very appreciative of that — I was surprised to hear it," Trump told Fox News. "I think it was a terrific thing, and I think it makes a lot of people happy."

"I think he did something very good," Trump said. "You know, it has to be a process of healing in this country, and that will help a lot."