On Wednesday morning, news broke of House Speaker Paul Ryan announcing that he would not seek reelection in November and will retire from Congress. In response, Donald Trump had a few words to say on Twitter.
Speaker Paul Ryan is a truly good man, and while he will not be seeking re-election, he will leave a legacy of achievement that nobody can question. We are with you Paul!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018
Trump on Paul Ryan
For over 20 years, Paul Ryan has represented the Republican Party in Congress, most recently being named Speaker of the House following the retirement of John Boehner back in 2015.
Since then, Ryan has been tasked with helping bridge the gap in the GOP between those who support Donald Trump and those who oppose him, creating a difficult and stressful job for himself in the process. Last year, rumors speculated about whether or not Ryan would soon step down due to the constant controversy in the Trump administration, but he insisted that he would stay on for the foreseeable future.
JUST IN: Paul Ryan officially announces he will not seek reelection https://t.co/RMhvrfI1Zq pic.twitter.com/ccRB5gQ8Q4
— The Hill (@thehill) April 11, 2018
In a report by The Hill on April 11, Paul Ryan made the decision to announce his retirement which led to a tweet by Donald Trump just moments later.
"Speaker Paul Ryan is a truly good man, and while he will not be seeking re-election, he will leave a legacy of achievement that nobody can question," Trump tweeted, before adding, "We are with you Paul!" As expected, Trump's tweet didn't go over well with critics who made sure to hit back with thoughts of their own.
Twitter on Ryan retirement
Following Donald Trump's tweet about the retirement of Paul Ryan, those who oppose the administration and the Repubican Party chimed in. "I hope you are with him and don't run for re-election," one tweet read.
He achieved F. all, leaving because you've made Republicans unelectable.
— MwanS (@Mwan1987) April 11, 2018
He’s leaving because you destroyed the Republican Party you daft Russian puppet.
— djkocisi politics (@djkocisi2) April 11, 2018
He’s leaving cuz of you! You have caused destruction to all who are around you! No one can take your obnoxiousness for very long!
— twistedankle (@maestomaes) April 11, 2018
"He’s leaving because you destroyed the Republican Party you daft Russian puppet," a Twitter user wrote.
"Except, oops, his legacy is appalling. But nice try!" a tweet went on to add. "He achieved F. all, leaving because you've made Republicans unelectable," an additional tweet noted.
Are you so sure he's a "good man"? He's part of the problem in our government and seems to be unwilling to use his power and leverage to undo that problem - how is that "good"?
— Rick Russell (@RicksNats) April 11, 2018
One of the lowest approval ratings in a speaker ever, one of the worst speakers ever, one of the most universally disliked speakers ever. yup he has a legacy all right.
— Kodiak T The real griz (@KodiakT) April 11, 2018
Now if only Mitch McConnell will do the same thing!
— Maxi_VI (@maximktvi) April 11, 2018
"Now if only Mitch McConnell will do the same thing!" a social media user suggested.
"One of the lowest approval ratings in a speaker ever, one of the worst speakers ever, one of the most universally disliked speakers ever. yup he has a legacy all right," a follow-up tweet went on to read. "Are you so sure he's a 'good man'? He's part of the problem in our government and seems to be unwilling to use his power and leverage to undo that problem - how is that 'good?'" a tweet wondered. The backlash continued as the opposition to Donald Trump, Paul Ryan, and the Republican Party showed no signs of coming to an end at any point in the near future.
