Washington (CNN) Former House Speaker Paul Ryan is set to criticize former President Donald Trump and his hold on the Republican Party during a speech Thursday night, according to excerpts obtained by CNN. And here's one reality we have to face: If the conservative cause depends on the populist appeal of one personality, or on second-rate imitations, then we're not going anywhere. Voters looking for Republican leaders want to see independence and mettle," Ryan is expected to say. Although Ryan doesn't mention Trump by name in his criticism, the expected remarks by the Republican Party's 2012 vice presidential nominee will add him to a growing list of establishment Republicans who are publicly objecting to Trump's grip on the party. Like-minded Republicans, including Ryan's predecessor, John Boehner , have lamented the current direction of the party, which has actively rebuked and ostracized members who have taken on Trump and his brand of populist and nativist politics.

Source: CNN May 27, 2021 12:22 UTC