Staff Reports
Former Republican Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, recently opened up about his disillusionment with the Republican Party’s shift towards “Trump populism.” In a candid interview, Ryan expressed his concerns about the party’s embrace of former President Donald Trump and his policies.
Fmr. @SpeakerRyan laments that ‘Trump is the establishment’ GOP https://t.co/1oc8DVyJDe https://t.co/1oc8DVyJDe
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 22, 2024
Ryan, a vocal critic of Trump, lamented being in the minority within his own party, declaring himself to be an “anti-establishment Republican.” He decried the rise of “Trump populism,” which he described as an “isolationist strain” that he views as “wrong and dangerous.” Despite his reservations, Ryan acknowledged the significant support that Trump’s brand of populism commands among Republican voters.
The former congressman’s divergence from the GOP’s current direction was further evidenced by his endorsement of former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley over Trump in the potential 2024 presidential race. Meanwhile, Trump has garnered support from prominent party figures such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and Senator Tim Scott.
Having served in the House of Representatives for two decades until his retirement in 2018, including a tenure as speaker during much of Trump’s presidency, Ryan’s perspectives offer a distinctive insight into the inner workings of the Republican Party.
As the GOP faces the ongoing influence of Trump and his dominance in the early 2024 primary contests, Ryan’s reflections underscore the deep divisions within the party and the enduring impact of Trump’s leadership.
