Ryan stands by Trump despite reservations, citing need for unity

Washington

PAUL RYAN said he has a responsibility as US House speaker to back Donald Trump and prevent a Democratic win in November, promising to challenge the presumptive Republican nominee if he doesn't abide by conservative principles.

"I have certain responsibilities, as not just Congressman Paul Ryan from the first district of Wisconsin, but as speaker of the House," Mr Ryan said in an interview taped for Sunday's Meet the Press on NBC. "Imagine the speaker of the House not supporting the duly elected nominee of our party, therefore creating a chasm in our party to split us in half."