The Speech Paul Ryan Should Give Today

My fellow Americans. You have watched as I and many of my Republican colleagues have tread a tortured path attempting to respect the will of those who voted for Donald Trump to be the Republican nominee for the office of the President of the United States. Because we believe deeply that the Democratic candidate should not be elected to that office, I have acted with restraint during this tumultuous campaign in hopes that Mr. Trump would evolve into a candidate we could, if not be proud of, at least work with. I was wrong to do so.

Donald Trump threatens the future of our country, our party, and any hope of finding a civil path to resolving our many differences. His recent actions and words unfortunately only confirm his lack of character and have demonstrated without a shadow of doubt that he is not fit to hold the office he aspires to. He demeans that office even as he campaigns to win it.

I apologize to you and my colleagues for my role in what will we be recognized as one of the most shameful and dangerous periods in American history. I should have never endorsed Donald Trump and I rescind that endorsement now. I will step down as Speaker of the House at the conclusion of this session of Congress, and I will also at that time resign my role in Congress.

If Donald Trump truly cares about this great country he should remove himself as a candidate immediately. I know that would bring chaos, but we are already in a state of chaos due to his candidacy. This chaos would likely result in a Hillary Clinton victory. But that, sadly, and thanks to Mr. Trump’s words and actions, be the inevitable result. Donald Trump has brought out the worst in some of us. Let the best in the rest of us seek to find a path forward.