Trump cautioned to stay out of Speaker race: report

President Trump is being cautioned by top advisers to not back a candidate in the race to replace retiring Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), ABC News reported.

Trump reportedly wanted to endorse House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), but was asked to hold off from backing a lawmaker to replace Ryan.

Vice President Pence and White House counselor Kellyanne Conway are among those cautioning Trump to stay out of the race, fearing it could complicate the competition and the president’s relationship with the winner, according to ABC.

Trump and McCarthy, who have had a close relationship, reportedly discussed the lawmaker becoming Speaker at a White House dinner with Republican leadership last week, according to The Associated Press.

{mosads}

Ryan, who announced his retirement last week, has backed McCarthy as his replacement.

However, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) is also considered a front-runner for the job.

Scalise said after Ryan’s endorsement that he wouldn’t run against McCarthy.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a founding member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, is also considering running for Speaker.