House Speaker Paul Ryan refuses to back Donald Trump

FILE - In this March 23, 2016, file photo, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington. Trying to win over conservatives, House Republicans are sweetening their budget proposal by putting several programs on the chopping block, including President Barack Obamas health care law and tax credits for children of immigrants living in the country illegally. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
FILE - In this March 23, 2016, file photo, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington. Trying to win over conservatives, House Republicans are sweetening their budget proposal by putting several programs on the chopping block, including President Barack Obamas health care law and tax credits for children of immigrants living in the country illegally. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Paul Ryan is refusing to support Donald Trump as the Republican nominee for president, insisting Thursday that the businessman must do more to unify the GOP.

"I'm just not ready to do that at this point. I'm not there right now," the Wisconsin Republican said on CNN's The Lead. "And I hope to. And I want to, but I think what is required is that we unify this party."

Ryan had maintained his silence since Trump effectively clinched the nomination with a win in Indiana on Tuesday that forced his last 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.

Instead he balked, in comments that could have more to do with his own political future and potential run for president in 2020.

"For us to be a successful party, to climb that final hill and win the presidency, we will need a standard-bearer that can unify all Republicans, all conservatives, all wings of our party, and then go to the country with an appealing agenda that can be appealing to independents and disaffected Democrats," Ryan said. "And we have work to do one this front, and I think our nominee has to lead in that effort."

Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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