Sessions: Ryan made ‘big mistake’ not backing Trump

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) on Thursday said that Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) flubbed by withholding his support from Donald Trump.

“I think this was a big mistake, I really do,” he said on Fox Business Network’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight.” “I’m surprised, frankly, because he’d indicated that he would support whoever the nominee was.

{mosads}“The Speaker of the House is a big leader and an important figure in the Republican Party. He calls on House members every day to stand with him in unity. He needs to set a good example for Republicans.”

Ryan on Thursday said that he would refrain from immediately supporting Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee.

“To be perfectly candid with you … I’m just not ready to do that at this point,” he said on CNN’s “The Lead.” “I’m not there right now. I hope to, though, and I want to.”

Trump responded by saying he was not yet sold on Ryan’s agenda, adding that the two must collaborate for voters.

“Perhaps in the future we can work together and come to an agreement about what is best for the American people,” he said in a statement. “They have been treated badly for so long that it is about time for politicians to put them first!”

Sessions, who has endorsed Trump, on Thursday said that Trump’s focus on the needs of the country’s labor force is what drives his national popularity.

“I think certain Republican leaders and establishment figures need to ask themselves how it is, with the process not even over, how he’s gotten more votes than Republican primary candidate in history,” he said.

“He’s talking directly to the American people about their concerns about trade, about immigration, about a foreign policy that’s restrained,” Sessions added. “We need leadership that favors the American worker for a change, who listens to their concerns for a change.

“Trump has been strong and clear. He’s had the courage to take on the establishment. Some of them are having difficulty dealing with his big victories so far.”