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Mitt Romney addresses Trump, 2016 election

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<p>"If we Republicans choose Donald Trump as our nominee, the prospects for a safe and prosperous future are greatly diminished," former presidential candidate Mitt Romney said in a speech Thursday. </p><p>Mitt Romney isn't holding back on Donald Trump. On Thursday, the former Republican presidential nominee laid out all the reasons Trump shouldn't get the GOP nomination. </p><p>"Donald Trump is a phony. A fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University," Romney said. </p><p>Romney criticizing Trump isn't new. <a href="http://video.foxnews.com/v/4772672083001/mitt-romney-on-possible-bombshell-in-trumps-tax-returns/?playlist_id=930909826001#sp=show-clips" target="_blank">He's taken on Trump's taxes</a> and his <a href="https://twitter.com/MittRomney/status/704371093549805569" target="_blank">flip-floppy response to a KKK endorsement.</a> But his most recent speech is part of a broader effort from members of the GOP establishment working behind the scenes to make sure Trump doesn't represent the GOP in November. </p><p>The billionaire has been the GOP front-runner since last summer and has proved his ability to turn that fervor and excitement into a <a href="http://www.cnn.com/election/primaries/parties/republican" target="_blank">pretty sizable delegate lead</a>.</p><p>Despite efforts to block Trump, it might be too late to stop his path to the nomination. Exit polls show Trump supporters have <i>been </i>Trump supporters for several months, meaning it's going to be hard to change their minds now.</p><p>Oh, and yes, of course Trump had something to say about Romney's comments. </p><p>"Mitt Romney is a stiff. Mitt Romney will not get elected. Mitt Romney failed twice and really failed last time," Trump<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/" target="_blank"> told NBC Thursday morning</a>. </p><p><i>This video includes clips from </i><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzEAyM0LK2U" target="_blank">CNN</a></i><i> and images from Getty Images.</i></p>
Mitt Romney addresses Trump, 2016 election
Posted at 11:15 AM, Mar 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-03 13:05:26-05

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney appears to be fed up with almost every aspect of the 2016 election — especially front-runners Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

"There's plenty of evidence Mr. Trump is a con man, a fake," Romney said at a speech at the University of Utah on Thursday morning.

Regarding Clinton, Romney stated, "A person that untrustworthy ... must not be allowed to become president."

Most of Romney's approximately 20-minute address focused on Trump, the odds-on favorite to win the GOP nomination. Romney repeatedly called Trump a liar and called into question his temperament and knowledge of political policies.

"Dishonesty is Donald Trump's hallmark," Romney said. "The only serious policy proposals ... have come from Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and John Kasich. One of these men should be our nominee."

Romney didn't endorse a candidate during the speech and also didn't declare himself a candidate for the 2016 race.

Regarding Trump's proposed economic policies, Romney declared, "What little he has said is enough to know that he would be bad for American workers and American families." Regarding Trump's foreign policy acumen, Romney stated flatly, "When it comes to foreign policy, (Trump) is very, very not smart."

"Trump's bombast is already alarming our allies," Romney said. "Insulting all Muslims will keep them from engaging with us in the war against ISIS."

Romney also called into question Trump's refusal to release past tax returns, stating he believes "there are more bombshells" in those documents. He also belittled Trump's success in private business, stating, "He inherited his businesses, he didn't create them."

Trump did not immediately respond to Romney's comments but in the hours leading up to the speech, Trump tweeted, "Looks like two-time failed candidate Mitt Romney is going to be telling Republicans how to get elected. Not a good messenger!"

Trump has a speech scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

Read some of the statements from Romney's speech below.

 
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