House Speaker Paul Ryan said he “laughed out loud” when Donald Trump threatened him on live television after he won seven states in the Super Tuesday primary.
“Sometimes, reality is stranger than fiction around here,” Ryan said.
Ryan was watching Trump’s 9 p.m. press conference in his office Tuesday when Trump was asked whether he could get along with the House speaker, who has spoken out occasionally against some of Trump’s campaign trail behavior.
Trump told reporters he could “get along great” with Ryan, but he warned, “If I don’t, he’s going to have to pay a big price.”
Ryan said, “I just laughed out loud,” at the remark. “I really don’t think anything of it.”
The Wisconsin Republican said the comment does not mean the two cannot work together but said he doesn’t know Trump well.
“We are obviously going to get to know each other better if he wins the nomination,” Ryan said. “I’m a good-natured guy so I get along with everybody.”
Ryan said the House GOP will continue to work on their own agenda, regardless of the primary process.
“What I can do about this, I can help lead the Republicans to offer an agenda,” Ryan said. “The way we see our role in this campaign is to add a keel and a rudder to this Republican Party so we can take it in a direction and give the country a very clear and compelling choice.”
