US Speaker Ryan applauds TTP withdrawal

US House Speaker Paul Ryan is applauding President Donald Trump's move to pull out of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The Wisconsin Republican has been a long-time champion of free trade, but said in a statement that Trump "has followed through on his promise to insist on better trade agreements".

It comes after Trump signed an executive memorandum in the Oval Office Monday to leave the proposed Pacific Rim trade pact.

The move was basically a formality since the agreement negotiated by the Obama administration had yet to receive congressional approval and faced significant opposition in the House and Senate.

Still Ryan's support for Trump's move was notable since he has long advocated for free trade.

Trump's move sparked criticism from some other Republicans.

Senator John McCain of Arizona called it "a serious mistake".