Paul Ryan
Republican Congress
Summary
Former Speaker of the House and 2012 Republican vice presidential nominee who retired from Congress in 2019 and was quoted in Tim Alberta's book criticizing Trump and the party's direction.
In Their Own Words
Key Statements
“
Trump's a populist, authoritarian narcissist.
Reported private remarks in a book
“
If we Republicans have to lose the White House for a generation, so be it, because the alternative is suicide for the party and for the country.
Private comments about Trump
Timeline
January 3, 1999
Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
Began congressional career
August 11, 2012
Selected as Romney's running mate
Republican VP nominee
October 29, 2015
Became Speaker of the House
Led House during Trump presidency
2016
Endorsed Trump reluctantly
Gave tepid support
April 11, 2018
Announced retirement from Congress
Left rather than work with Trump
January 3, 2019
Left Congress
Retired from politics
April 2, 2019
Book 'American Carnage' reported private criticisms of Trump
Revealed strong internal objections
Why This Matters
Credibility & Background
Positions Held
- Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2015-2019)
- Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee (2015)
- Chairman, House Budget Committee (2011-2015)
- U.S. Representative from Wisconsin (1999-2019)
Analysis
Reasons for Opposition
- 01 Trump is a populist, authoritarian narcissist
- 02 Trump would be suicide for the party and country
- 03 Trump lacks basic honesty and integrity
Explore the full list of Republican officials, military leaders, and former staff who have spoken out against Trump.