Republicans react to Donald Trump's vulgar remarks caught on tape

In the hours following the release of a recording in which Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump can be heard making vulgar remarks about women, Republican political figures are sharing their response on social media.

In a recording obtained by The Washington Post, Trump is heard describing how he makes moves on women and how he tried to have an affair with a married woman. The recording, reportedly from 2005, is an exchange between Trump and then-"Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush.

Several of Trump's opponents from the Republican primary condemned Trump's remarks as "reprehensible" and "impossible to justify."

"No woman should ever be described in these terms or talked about in this manner. Ever," Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who was the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, said in a statement that there are "no excuses" for Trump's comments.

"There are no excuses for Donald Trump's offensive and demeaning comments. "No woman should ever be victimized by this kind of inappropriate behavior. He alone bears the burden of his conduct and alone should suffer the consequences."

Former Massachusetts governor and 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney called the comments "vile."

House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was "sickened" by what he heard.

"Women are to be championed and revered, not objectified," he said. "I hope Mr. Trump treats this situation with the seriousness it deserves and works to demonstrate to the country that he has greater respect for women than this clip suggests."

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, chair of the House Republican Conference and the highest ranking Republican woman in Congress, released a statement that said, "It is never appropriate to condone unwanted sexual advances or violence against women. Mr. Trump must realize that it has no place in public or private conversations today or in the past."

Other Republicans from both the House and Senate also weighed in.

New Hampshire Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte, released a one sentence statement to ABC News. "His comments are totally inappropriate and offensive" Ayotte said.

Billy Bush is the nephew of George H. W. Bush and cousins with Jeb and George W. Bush. He apologized for the incident, saying he is "embarrassed and ashamed."

Trump released a statement on the recoding, calling it "locker room banter."

"This was locker room banter, a private conversation that took place many years ago. Bill Clinton has said far worse to me on the golf course -- not even close. I apologize if anyone was offended."

Trump was scheduled to appear a Republican event Saturday in Wisconsin, but will no longer attend, according to ABC News. Trump's campaign says his running mate, Gov. Mike Pence, will attend in his place as Trump prepares for Sunday's second presidential debate.