McConnell likely wasn’t happy about this.
In a notable turn of events, Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell threw his support behind the re-election bid of former President Trump, following Trump’s impressive performance on Super Tuesday where he amassed nearly 1,000 delegates.
McConnell, in a statement, expressed his conviction that Trump had garnered significant backing from Republican voters, solidifying his position as the party’s nominee for President of the United States. “Former President Trump has undoubtedly secured the necessary support from Republican voters to be our nominee for President. As such, he will have my endorsement,” McConnell was forced to say.
Highlighting the achievements made during Trump’s presidency, McConnell emphasized collaborative efforts that resulted in significant accomplishments for the nation, such as impactful tax reforms and a notable overhaul of the federal judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court.
Anticipating a shift in focus from defensive postures against the policies of the Biden administration, McConnell expressed eagerness to embark on an offensive strategy aimed at effecting positive change and enhancing the lives of the American people.
This endorsement follows the suspension of Trump’s sole primary challenger, Nikki Haley, earlier in the day.
McConnell’s backing of Trump marks a significant evolution in their relationship, considering his previous criticisms of Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. McConnell had previously held Trump “morally responsible” for the events of that day, citing his alleged incitement and propagation of baseless claims surrounding the election. However, McConnell notably abstained from voting to convict Trump on impeachment charges related to the incident.
McConnell’s announcement also coincides with his recent decision to step down from his role as Republican leader in the Senate, citing a desire to transition into the next phase of his life. Despite this impending departure, McConnell affirmed his commitment to leveraging his remaining time in office to challenge his detractors and continue serving the nation with vigor until the conclusion of his term in January 2027.