Trump to pardon Arizona ex-sheriff Arpaio 'at appropriate time'

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Wednesday said United States President Donald Trump will take a decision on former Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio "at the appropriate time."

"I think that he'll continue to make his plans clear when he's ready and at the appropriate time, and we'll certainly keep you guys posted on that," The Hill quoted Sarah Huckabee Sanders, as saying.

Trump gave signs of pardoning the controversial former sheriff, who was convicted last month of criminal contempt at a rally in Phoenix, Ariz.

"I won't do it tonight because I don't want to cause any controversy, all right? But Sheriff Joe can feel good," Trump said.

Sanders also said that the president had no plans to do so that night.

"I can tell you that there will be no discussion of that today at any point, and no action will be taken on that front at any time today," she said.

The controversial former Arizona sheriff was convicted of contempt by a federal judge last month for disregarding a court order in a racial profiling case. He was accused of violating a court order by continuing patrols targeting immigrants.