GOP nominee Donald Trump said he doesn’t want to go after Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, but feels he could be more supportive during an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Tuesday.
The billionaire has repeatedly attacked the speaker on social media after the Wisconsin Republican announced he would not campaign or defend Trump’s comments, following the release of a 2005 video of the candidate making lewd statements about women.
“I don’t want to be knocking Paul Ryan,” Trump said. “I think he could be more supportive to the Republican nominee. We’re doing well, I think we’re going to win the election.”
Trump doubled down on his attacks, saying the 2012 vice presidential nominee doesn’t know how to run a successful campaign – this time alleging Ryan doesn’t want Trump to win because he may want to run for president in 2020.
“Maybe he wants to run in four years and maybe he doesn’t know how to win,” he continued. “Maybe he just doesn’t know how to win.”
Despite Trump’s numerous insults, Ryan’s endorsement remains in tact, despite the candidate’s claims he retracted his support.
The speaker has been clear his focus remains on helping down-ballot Republicans win their elections, advising lawmakers to do what’s best for them and their districts.
The two have had a rocky relationship throughout the 2016 election cycle, with Ryan expressing his hesitation to endorse Trump and denouncing a number of Trump’s controversial comments earlier this year. Trump praised Ryan’s primary opponent on a number of occasions before finally announcing his support just days ahead of the election.
Ryan has largely remained quiet about the candidate’s comments.
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