Trump praises Ryan in wake of retirement announcement

President Trump on Wednesday praised Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) following news that Ryan would be retiring from Congress.

“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!” Trump tweeted.

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

Ryan announced Wednesday morning that he will serve out the remainder of his term and retire in January. He joined the House nearly two decades ago, and has served as Speaker since 2015.

{mosads}He said he would “run through the tape” and work hard until his term ends in January. But he added that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Ryan was initially slow to embrace Trump as the Republican nominee in the 2016 election.

The two never appeared together publicly before the election, and the Speaker criticized Trump for his proposed Muslim ban and for attacking a federal judge for his Mexican heritage, among other stances. 

Trump attacked Ryan during the campaign as well, calling him “disloyal” and “weak and ineffective.”

However, the two set aside their differences once Trump took office, working together to pass a tax-reform bill in December that marked a signature achievement for both.