Martin Shkreli supports Donald Trump: 'Most-hated man in the world' announces his support for Republican nominee

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Embattled former CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals Martin Shkreli - who became “the most-hated man in America” when he hiked the price of the AIDS drug Daraprim from $13.50 to $750 per pill overnight - announced his choice in the 2016 presidential election: Donald Trump.

“I haven't been called by the Trump camp,” the so-called “Pharma Bro” tweeted Thursday night. “I support him vs Hillary. He should find a VP candidate who is seasoned in politics, an ugly game.”

It remains unclear whether Shkreli - who has been known to ruffle the feathers of his critics on social media - endorsed Mr Trump in earnest or as a joke.

Shkreli was indicted in December for securities fraud charges stemming from his time as CEO of Retrophin in 2014. The company’s Board of Directors voted to fire the former hedge fund manager and CEO for reason related to the charges he received. In May, prosecutors announced that Mr Shkreli could face additional criminal charges.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to request for comment regarding Shkreli’s endorsement. However, Mr Trump did not have a favourable opinion of Shkreli when asked by reporters in September.

“He looks like a spoiled brat to me,” the GOP candidate said during a South Carolina press conference. “You want to know the truth? He looks like a spoiled brat. That guy is nothing. He’s zero. He’s nothing. He ought to be ashamed of himself.”

Mr Trump has acquired a ragtag grabbag of celebrity endorsements that includes outrageous personalities from across multiple spectrums of media.

He’s won the favour of anti-Gawker wrestling celebrity Hulk Hogan, the NRA-loving rocker Ted Nugent, former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, former Cheers actress Kirstie Alley, and a handful of reluctant and resigned Republican leaders.

But Shkreli’s endorsement did not go unnoticed. An imposter from the Twitter account @RealDomaldTrunp thanked him for his support.