Trump Says He Was 'Really Surprised' By Paul Ryan's Rebuff
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Donald Trump said he was "really surprised" by House Speaker Paul Ryan's declaration that he wasn't ready to support Trump as the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, but said he'll be meeting with Ryan next week.
Trump told Fox & Friends Friday the rejection doesn't bother him. Still, Trump said Ryan's refusal to swing behind him is "not a good thing'' and "something the party should get solved quickly.''
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"I mean, he talks about unity, but what is this about unity?" he said. "With millions of people coming into the party, obviously I'm saying the right thing."
Trump said he's meeting with Ryan possibly on Wednesday.
Ryan had maintained his silence since Trump effectively clinched the nomination with a commanding win in Indiana on Tuesday that forced his two remaining rivals from the race.
Other Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Mitch McConnell, offered their grudging support for Trump, and Ryan had seemed likely to eventually do the same.
But in comments on CNN's "The Lead'' Thursday, Ryan said: "I'm just not ready to do that at this point. I'm not there right now.''
"I hope to and I want to, but I think what is required is that we unify this party," he added.
Trump responded Thursday in a statement released by his campaign that he was "not ready to support'' Ryan's agenda as the party's leader in the U.S. House.
Trump is aiming to broaden his primary insurgency into a full-fledged general election campaign, reaching out to party heavyweights and trying to repair his sometimes strained relationships with the Republican National Committee.
In addition, Mitt Romney and former President George W. Bush said they do not plan to attend the party's national convention in July.
Trump is also taking pains to reassure party leaders that he wants to help Republican Senate and House candidates, some of whom are openly worried that Trump at the top of the GOP ticket will be a drag on their own campaigns.
As for whom he wants to be his running mate, Trump would only say Friday that the person will have to be a Republican, not a Democrat.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
