The GOP’s mercurial presidential nominee on Tuesday refused to endorse Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the top House Republican and Trump’s political frenemy.
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One Republican congressman predicted that Trump’s criticisms would backfire and harm the nominee rather than Ryan, given the speaker’s support among House Republicans, many of whom are lukewarm about backing the controversial real estate mogul.
A spokesperson for the Ryan campaign said today that “neither Speaker Ryan nor anyone on his team has ever asked for Donald Trump’s endorsement”, adding that they “are confident in a victory next week regardless”. Meanwhile, Ryan’s primary opponent, Paul Nehlen, defended Trump’s comments this week, saying the Khans “attacked, ridiculed, and attempted to humiliate Trump”, according to NPR. Kelly Ayotte (N.H.) and John McCain (Ariz.). Those are very close to the words Ryan used in the long months before he endorsed Trump, telling CNN on May 6, “I’m not there right now”.
The report comes days after both Ryan and McCain issued statements denouncing comments made by Trump in response to the family of a fallen Muslim soldier at the Democratic National Convention. It’s also possible Trump’s decision not to endorse Ryan has to do with Ryan not supporting Trump’s continued attacks on the Khans. We need very, very strong leadership. Trump said the grieving father had “no right” to criticize him, only later acknowledging their son is a hero. The primary for Ryan’s House seat in Wisconsin is next week and Ayotte’s primary in New Hampshire is next month.
STERLING, Va., Aug. 2 (UPI) – As criticism, tolerance and support swirl throughout the Republican ranks, presidential nominee Donald Trump said Tuesday that he isn’t supporting two of the party’s most prominent leaders in their upcoming congressional races. “Our vets are not being treated properly”.
“As someone who has worked to further the Republican Party’s principles for the last 15 years, I believe that we are at a moment where silence isn’t an option”, former Christie senior aide Maria Comella told CNN.
“Many Muslim Americans have served valiantly in our military and made the ultimate sacrifice”, Ryan’s statement read. His sacrifice – and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan – should always be honored.
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