Former House Speaker Paul Ryan found himself in the hot seat while appearing on CNBC’s Squawk Box, where he faced intense scrutiny for his lack of support for President Trump. Known as a vocal critic of Trump, Ryan attempted to shift gears, advocating for unity around the Trump administration. However, co-host Joe Kernan was quick to call out what he saw as hypocrisy in Ryan’s sudden change of heart.
In an effort to mend bridges, Ryan expressed a desire to “let bygones be bygones,” urging Americans to rally behind Trump’s administration. However, Kernan, seemingly unimpressed, pointedly questioned Ryan’s newfound call for unity. Kernan sharply retorted, “So now you’re calling for unity,” his voice layered with skepticism. Ryan, maintaining his composure, reaffirmed his stance, only for Kernan to intensify his critique.
Demonstrating an unyielding stance, Kernan mockingly noted Ryan’s purported support, “It would have been nice before the election.” He wasn’t done yet; Kernan jabbed further, saying in a derisive tone, “The other thing I thought was funny was when you said (mocking voice) ‘Hey look, I want Trump to succeed.’ You know who that sounds like? It sounds like a Democrat!” This remark was followed by a burst of laughter directed at Ryan, underlining Kernan’s disdain.
Watching Paul Ryan get roasted brings a smile to my face.
What makes it better is that a CNBC host did it.
pic.twitter.com/oQn5ong40i— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) January 16, 2025
Ryan, attempting to defend his position, described himself as a conservative Republican, aligned with Trump on a myriad of issues. Yet, he acknowledged a divergence from Trump’s particular “brand of conservatism” in certain instances. Unmoved, Kernan presented a stark viewpoint: “It was always a binary choice (between Harris and Trump),” he stressed. “And a vote not for Trump was a vote for Kamala Harris. Can you imagine!” These words punctuated the conversation with a laughter-filled incredulity from Kernan.
In a show of attempting to bridge differences, Ryan once more emphasized common policies shared with Trump, notably on immigration, tax, and regulatory matters. Despite this, Kernan was unrelenting, advising Ryan against letting “the good for the perfect” be the enemy, as he claimed Ryan did in the November election.
Previously reported by The Gateway Pundit, Ryan’s criticism of Trump was on full display when he branded Trump “unfit for office” in July, openly declaring his withdrawal of support for Trump in the 2024 Presidential election. Speaking to another staunch Trump critic, Neil Cavuto, Ryan justified his stance, attributing part of his decision to the January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. He stated, “That’s a part of it. I think it’s a contribution of factors. I think it really is just character at the end of the day, and the fact that if you’re willing to put yourself above the Constitution ― an oath you swear when you take federal office, whether as president or a member of Congress, you swear an oath to the Constitution ― and you’re willing to suborn it to yourself, I think that makes you unfit for office.”
Although Ryan tried to downplay his past decisions, many still recall his adamant opposition to Trump, questioning the sincerity of his latest remarks. This encounter on Squawk Box reflects the continuing rift and complexities within the Republican party as figures like Ryan navigate their political legacies amidst the Trump era.