Paul Ryan Blasts Trump For Statements On ‘Mexican Judge’
Paul Ryan, only a day after endorsing Donald Trump, slammed the Republican nominee for his earlier statements about the judge overseeing the Trump University lawsuit.
Trump criticized the judge, calling into question his neutrality as a result of the judge’s “Mexican” heritage. Trump went on to say that Judge Gonzalo Curiel has a “conflict of interest” in the case because of Trump’s controversial stance on building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico.
“I’m building a wall, there’s a conflict of interest,” Trump said, after previously highlighting the judge’s “Mexican” heritage.
Today, Speaker Paul Ryan shot back, calling out the Republican nominee for his controversial and, according to some critics, racially-biased attacks. Earlier this election cycle, Paul Ryan declined to endorse Donald Trump, but after a month of closed-door meetings, Ryan came out yesterday in support of the Republican nominee.
Ryan seeks distance from Trump’s racially charged comments on federal judge: "It’s reasoning I don’t relate to" https://t.co/ai2NqGpgQY
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) June 3, 2016
“Look, the comment about the judge the other day just was out of left field for my mind,” said Paul Ryan.
In Ryan’s Trump endorsement yesterday, he did make a point to suggest that he would continue to voice dissent when he felt it was necessary – such as when Trump’s rhetoric crosses a line or serves only to inflame tensions between the Republican Party and potential voters.
“It’s reasoning I don’t relate to. I completely disagree with the thinking behind that. And so, he clearly says and does things I don’t agree with and I’ve had to speak up from time to time when that has occurred, and I’ll continue to do that if it’s necessary,” said Speaker Paul Ryan, reported Politico.
Donald Trump isn’t a stranger to criticism over his fiery and, at times, inflammatory rhetoric; but, yesterday Trump was called out by some of his most ardent supporters over his remarks on Judge Gonzalo Curiel.
CNN contributor and Trump surrogate Kayleigh McEnany has faithfully touted all of Donald Trump’s policies. She’s defended his statements, and she’s advocated tirelessly for the Trump campaign on CNN, but last night even McEnany had some tough words for Trump.
“[It was] off-base to bring up the judge’s heritage. [Curiel] should not be disqualified for that alone. If [Trump] wants to bring up a bias accusation he has every right to do that,” said McEnany.
Critics within the Democratic Party took the opportunity, fresh off of Hillary Clinton’s verbal evisceration of Donald Trump’s policies, to slam the Republican nominee. Senator Diane Feinstein reportedly called Trump’s “Mexican heritage” comments a big step over the line.
Republican allies, however, were a little more forgiving, but made it clear that Trump’s racially charged rhetoric wasn’t doing him any favors on the campaign trail.
Top Dem: Trump "crossing a line big time" with attacks on judge https://t.co/lSgVDqRggV pic.twitter.com/TRMbfcusQ1
— The Hill (@thehill) June 3, 2016
“Well, what I am willing to say is that Donald Trump is certainly a different kind of candidate. These attacks don’t serve the candidate very well at this point,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Paul Ryan moved on during the interview, suggesting that despite the differences between him and Donald Trump, the two Republican leaders anticipate working together closely if Trump wins the White House, reports the Hill.
“We need a partner in the White House to help us advance these bills that we’ve been passing. It’s clear to me that these things we care about have a far, far better chance of succeeding and actually occurring than with Hillary Clinton,” said Paul Ryan.
Ryan also reiterated that the stakes are incredibly high for the Republican party. With a vacancy on the Supreme Court, and the Republican legislative agenda stalled in Congress, Ryan says the party cannot afford another resounding defeat in the general election.
“We can’t just blow another election. The Supreme Court, everything’s up for grabs. We can’t afford to blow another election,” said Speaker Paul Ryan.
[Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images]
