Speaking in the wake of the announcement by House Speaker John Boehner’s resignation annoucnemtn, presidential candidate Donald Trump said  on September 25 that the Ohio Republican had not fought hard enough on behalf of conservative principles. Trump was at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C. to speak at the Values Voters Summit, where he told reporters that Boehner’s coming resignation on October 30 is “a good thing.”

 

As the leading Republican contender, Trump said “I think it’s time, it’s a good thing,” adding, “Someone else will come in and maybe they’ll have a tougher attitude.”

According to The Hill whether Boehner had battled enough for conservatives, Trump said “No, he didn’t. Not enough.” Moreover, Trump said of Boehner, "I don't think he's a conservative." Lionized for his frank opinions about everything from border security to Fox News host Megyn Kelly, Trump added, “I think it’s time for him [to move on] and the party and everybody.”

 

Trump could not name any preferred candidates to replace Boehner.

 

Boehner had become the target of Tea Party ire, and on the part of some Republicans at the Values Voters Summit. When informed of the announced resignation by Senator Marco Rubio – a presidential contender from Florida- the ballroom full of delegates got up for a standing ovation.