Paul Ryan’s congressional campaign shot back at Donald Trump’s refusal to endorse the House speaker in his re-election race, which includes a primary challenge from his right.
“Neither Speaker Ryan nor anyone on his team has ever asked for Donald Trump’s endorsement,” campaign spokesman Zack Roday said in an email to reporters Tuesday. “And we are confident in a victory next week regardless.”
In an interview with the Washington Post Tuesday, Trump declined to endorse Ryan, who is supporting Trump’s presidential bid but has been critical of numerous Trump statements and positions, including his recent attacks on a Gold Star family who lost their son in the Iraq war.
“I like Paul, but these are horrible times for our country,” Trump said. “We need very strong leadership. We need very, very strong leadership. And I’m just not quite there yet. I’m not quite there yet.”
Trump had already tweeted a shout-out Monday to Ryan’s primary challenger Paul Nehlen.
Thanks to @pnehlen for your kind words, very much appreciated.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2016
