Trump on 'charm offensive', tries to woo senior Republicans

After scorning the Washington establishment including the Republican hierarchy, Donald Trump went on a charm offensive in the US capital to try to win their support for his presidential candidacy.

The party’s top brass have stopped short of endorsing him – yet – but its top elected official put a positive gloss on their 45-minute meeting.

“I think we had a very encouraging meeting. Look it’s no secret that Donald Trump and I have had our differences, we talked about those differences today, that’s common knowledge. The question is, what is it that we need to do to unify the Republican Party,” Paul Ryan said.

The candidate’s language after he left was devoid of its usual sting. “Things working out really well,” he tweeted.

Great day in D.C. with SpeakerRyan and Republican leadership. Things working out really well! #Trump2016 pic.twitter.com/hfHY9MdAc7

— Donald J. Trump (realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2016

But many establishment Republicans have been as horrified as the ever-present anti-Trump protesters at his extreme policy proposals and fiery tone that for some commentators has bordered on incitement.

Given his stance and rhetoric on a range of issues, there’s a lot of patching up still to do.

Euronews