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“You know I love you, comma, comma, so now you’re calling for unity?” Kernen asked, with an unmistakable tone of sarcasm.
Ryan, sensing the critique, braced for the punchline. “I knew there was a ‘but’ coming,” he replied.
Kernen delivered. “It would have been nice before the election,” the CNBC host shot back, making it clear he saw Ryan’s post-election unity plea as too little, too late.
Ryan Accused of Sounding Like a Democrat
The interview grew even more contentious as Kernen suggested Ryan’s rhetoric was more in line with Trump’s political opponents. “And the other thing I thought was funny that you said was when you said, ‘Hey, look, I want Trump to succeed.’ You know who that sounds like? It sounds like a Democrat!” Kernen exclaimed.
Caught off guard, Ryan asked, “Is that what Democrats sound like?”
Kernen didn’t let up. “Well, of course you want Trump to succeed. You’re a Republican!” he retorted, pointing out that Ryan’s statement should have been a given, not a post-election revelation.
Ryan’s Divided Loyalty
Ryan attempted to defend himself by emphasizing his alignment with Trump on many policy issues. “Here’s the point: A lot of this agenda, my kind of conservatism, Trump populism, it overlaps,” Ryan explained. He highlighted shared views on tax cuts, border security, and deregulation but acknowledged disagreements on trade policies and tariffs.
Despite Ryan’s claims of policy alignment, Kernen wasn’t convinced. The CNBC host reminded him that elections are a binary choice. “It was always binary. And a vote not for Trump was a vote for Kamala Harris! Can you imagine?” Kernen said, calling out Ryan for his refusal to support Trump during the campaign.
A History of Betrayal
Ryan’s strained relationship with Trump dates back to his time as Speaker of the House. He opposed Trump’s efforts to secure funding for the border wall and criticized his immigration policies, including bans on unvetted Syrian refugees. More recently, Ryan backed a blank check for Ukraine’s war effort, further alienating him from Trump’s America First agenda.
Ryan has also been an outspoken critic of Trump over the January 6 events, labeling the former president as “unfit for office.” His stance has earned him the ire of Trump’s supporters and cemented his reputation as a RINO (Republican In Name Only).
Just Released: Trump White House Collector’s Bobblehead!
No Redemption for Ryan
With Trump’s blacklist barring RINOs like Ryan from holding positions in his administration, Ryan’s political comeback seems unlikely. His calls for unity and support for Trump’s policies now ring hollow to many conservatives who see him as an opportunist rather than a true ally.
As Kernen’s grilling showed, Ryan’s betrayal of Trump has left a permanent stain on his credibility within the Republican Party. For those who backed Trump in 2024, Ryan’s sudden plea for unity is too little, too late.
