Ryan pushes tax reform as Trump-Corker feud rages

Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) early Tuesday attempted to focus on the GOP’s tax-reform efforts as a spat between Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and President Trump raged.

“All this stuff you see on a daily basis on Twitter this, Twitter that, forget about it,” Ryan told reporters at the Capitol. “Let’s focus on helping people, improving people’s lives and doing the things we said we would do that accomplishes that. That’s what we’re focused on.”

Ryan made the comments at a news conference intended to highlight the House Republicans’ proposal for tax reform. But the event’s focus quickly shifted to a newly reignited quarrel between Corker and Trump.

{mosads}Trump and Corker traded barbs Tuesday morning, just hours before the president was scheduled to meet with Senate Republicans on tax reform.

Corker, who has previously been critical of Trump, hit the president on foreign policy during an appearance on NBC’s “Today.” Trump fired back on Twitter, saying Corker “couldn’t get elected dog catcher.”

Corker, who is not running for reelection, then told reporters he believes Trump will be remembered for debasing the nation, adding that the president isn’t a good role model.

Trump once again took to Twitter, saying, “People like liddle’ Bob Corker have set the U.S. Way back.”

Ryan, who appeared exasperated in fielding questions about the president’s tweets instead of tax reform, said Republicans should be judged on results, not dysfunction between officials.

“I don’t think it changes our efforts on tax reform,” Ryan told reporters.

“I know Bob, who supported the budget, wants to get tax reform. I know the president wants to get tax reform,” Ryan said. “I’m glad the president is coming to lunch, because I’ve long believed it’s best just to settle these things in person, and I hope that they can get a chance to do that.”