Donald Trump said Tuesday that he is not ready to support Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, despite Ryan's endorsing him months ago.

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, told The Washington Post that the congressman from Wisconsin sought his endorsement, but as of now he is still considering it.

"I like Paul, but these are horrible times for our country," Trump told the newspaper. "We need very strong leadership. We need very, very strong leadership. And I'm just not quite there yet."

Later in the day, a spokesman for Ryan responded in a statement that "neither Speaker Ryan nor anyone on his team has ever asked for Donald Trump's endorsement. And we are confident in a victory next week, regardless."

Earlier Tuesday, Trump raised eyebrows when he tweeted out thanks to Ryan's primary challenger, Paul Nehlen. Nehlen released a statement defending Trump amid criticism over his remarks about Muslim parents of a slain U.S. solider. They criticized Trump at the Democratic National Convention and in media appearances after the event.

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Trump also told The Washington Post he was not supporting Sen. John McCain in his Arizona primary.

Read the full Washington Post story here.