Angered by Paul Ryan's questioning of Donald Trump's seemingly imminent nomination as the Republican's presidential candidate, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she'll work to help defeat Ryan by backing his primary opponent in Wisconsin.
In an interview that airs Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union," Palin told host Jake Tapper that her decision was sparked by Ryan's comments last week that he wasn't yet ready to support Donald Trump, the Republican presumptive nominee.
Palin endorsed Trump back in January.
"I think Paul Ryan is soon to be 'Cantored,' as in Eric Cantor," Palin said.
She was referring to the former Republican House majority leader who was ousted in a shocking upset in 2014 when challenger Dave Brat ran to his right in a Virginia primary.
"His political career is over but for a miracle because he has so disrespected the will of the people, and as the leader of the GOP, the convention, certainly he is to remain neutral, and for him to already come out and say who he will not support is not a wise decision of his," Palin said.
Palin said that Ryan's announcement was driven by a desire to seek the White House in 2020.
"If the GOP were to win now, that wouldn't bode well for his chances in 2020, and that's what he's shooting for," Palin said.
Paul Nehlen, Ryan's primary opponent, endorsed Trump soon after Ryan's announcement last week. Palin told Tapper that although she hasn't yet informed Nehlen that she's endorsing him, "I will do whatever I can for Paul Nehlen."
"This man is a hard-working guy, so in touch with the people," Palin said. "Paul Ryan and his ilk, their problem is they have become so disconnected by the people whom they are elected to represent."
"They feel so threatened at this point that their power, their prestige, their purse will be adversely affected by the change that is coming with Trump and with someone like Paul Nehlen, that they're not thinking straight right now," she said.
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