Ben Carson has stepped away from a selection committee tasked with finding presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s running mate, a new report says.
Carson is instead focusing his energy on Trump’s meeting with Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) on Thursday, according to The Daily Beast.
{mosads}“What Trump wanted from Carson were names of who he would recommend for a potential candidate,” said Armstrong Williams, Carson’s business manager. “He was among several other people making recommendations.
“Once those names were submitted, they decided to have Lewandowski head up [the committee],” he added, referencing Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s campaign manager.
“It’s passed off to him. That vetting process is a long process and a tedious process. Now Carson is involved in making sure that everything goes well with Thursday’s meeting.”
Reports emerged on Tuesday that Lewandowski will helm Trump’s search for a running mate.
Trump said last week that Carson would also serve on his vice presidential selection committee.
Carson then ruled himself out of contention for the slot, arguing that he would overshadow Trump’s campaign.
“I’m not interested in doing that for a number of reasons,” he said last week. “I don’t want to be a distraction. I’m sure you remember how crazy the media was about me. It’s too important a time in our life.”
Williams on Tuesday said that Carson would remain a “trusted confidante” who serves Trump in whatever role is necessary.
“I do know that Dr. Carson and Trump have become very trusted allies; brothers,” he said. “They confide in each other.”
“Dr. Carson is carrying the weight of this on his shoulders,” William added of Trump’s meeting with Ryan. “Because Trump trusts him and the Speaker trusts him.”
Carson reportedly requested a private meeting with Ryan ahead of the lawmaker’s chat with Trump in two days.
Ryan and Trump are feuding after the Congressman said last week that he is “just not ready” to endorse Trump.