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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Unity was on the mind of the Republican party on Friday as Donald Trump tried to mend fences with a few critics within his own party.

After some high-profile spats with the speaker of the house and two key senators, Trump did an about face.

Trump tried to heal party divisions Friday by endorsing House Speaker Paul Ryan and two other key senate Republicans, after refusing to announce his support earlier this week.

"I hold in the highest esteem, Senator John McCain," said Trump. "I also fully support and endorse Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire."

Trump admitted he needs the support of the entire party to win the general election.

"But I need a Republican Senate and a house to accomplish all of the changes that we have to make. We have to make them," said Trump.

By his side was running mate Mike Pence, who praised Trump's off the cuff style that's found the campaign in hot water.

"He says it like it is and he will make America great again," said Pence.

The Republican nominee tried to stay on message, hammering his opponent Hillary Clinton.

"She's a monster, okay," said Trump.

He couldn't help but bring up incidents from earlier in the week, blaming the media.

"The whole place is cracking up... and the next day in the newspaper it says Trump throws baby out of arena," said Trump.

"I want you to hold me accountable... press and citizens alike," said Trump.

Speaking at a journalism conference, Hillary Clinton continued to paint Trump as unsuitable and unprepared for the White House.

"I do have this old-fashioned idea when you run for president you ought to tell the voters of America what you would do as President," said Clinton.

She couldn't avoid questions related to the investigation into her handling of classified information while secretary of state.

"What I told the FBI, which he said was truthful, is consistent with what I have said publicly. So I may have short-circuited it and for that I, you know, will try to clarify," said Clinton.

Trump tried to capitalize on those Clinton comments, instantly sending out an anti-Hillary web video. He also tried to use his endorsement of Ryan as a fundraising moment, sending out an email and text message to supporters.

Earlier this week the Trump campaign announced a more than $80 million fundraising haul last month but sources say that after Trump's week of missteps, fundraising has stalled.

Click here to read more about Campaign 2016.