Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan have said they are “totally committed” to the GOP unity in a statement following their meeting.
Donald Trump and Paul Ryan are trying to find common ground after the House speaker said he could not endorse the presumptive Republican nominee.
Paul Ryan has said Donald Trump lacked conservative principles.
“We had a great conversation this morning,” they wrote in a joint statement.
“While we were honest about our few differences, we recognize that there are also many important areas of common ground.”
Donald Trump and Paul Ryan said they would be having “additional discussions” but think they can unify the party and win the election.
At a press conference following the meeting, Paul Ryan said he was “very encouraged” by what he heard from Donald Trump.
Donald Trump arrived for the meeting at the Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters in Washington amid protesters brandishing placards.
Afterwards, RNC chairman Reince Priebus, who mediated the talks in his office, said it was a success.
In December 2015, Paul Ryan harshly criticized Donald Trump’s proposal to ban Muslims from entering the US.
Donald Trump said it was “not what this party stands for and more importantly it’s not what this country stands for”.
However, on May 11, Donald Trump appeared to soften, saying it was “just a suggestion”.
Paul Ryan, who ran as 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s vice president, clashes with Donald Trump on many issues, including religious freedom and trade.
He has remained popular on Capitol Hill, after being urged to take over as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the autumn.
Many who view him as a more electable figure than Donald Trump have urged him – in vain – to run for president.
However, more Republicans are throwing their support behind Donald Trump, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Donald Trump is one of the least politically experienced nominees in US history, having never held elected office.
That outsider status has appealed to voters who feel let down by Washington.
A recent Gallup Poll shows that two in three Republican-leaning voters view Donald Trump favorably.
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