“Law-enforcement officials have a special responsibility to respect the rights of everyone in the United States. We should not allow anyone to believe that responsibility is diminished by this pardon,” Ryan said in a statement.
“The speaker does not agree with the decision,” Ryan’s spokesman Doug Andres said.
Some other prominent Republicans, including Arizona Senator John McCain and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, have also criticized Trump for the controversial pardon.
Arpaio, 85, was an outspoken supporter of Trump’s presidential campaign and both men have argued for tougher policies against illegal immigration.
As president, Trump has broad powers to issue pardons and he had said Arpaio was convicted for “doing his job”.
Arpaio lost his own bid for re-election in Arizona’s Maricopa County in November, after 24 years in office.
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