Trump, McConnell say they’re friends
Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell reaffirmed their alliance of necessity Monday in a raucous Rose Garden news conference that also underscored their sharp differences. The garrulous president claimed they were longtime friends now closer than ever; the reserved Senate Republican leader allowed that they share goals and speak often.
It was a spectacle that mesmerized Washington, as Trump and McConnell appeared side by side for more than a half-hour, the president tossing off answers — sometimes minispeeches — on all topics while McConnell, disciplined as always, delivered brief, scholarly explanations about the legislative process and the risks to their party of nominating candidates who can’t win.
At various points, the president denounced the Russia-Trump campaign investigation, lauded himself for his record on judicial nominations and argued wrongly that “it took years for the Reagan administration to get taxes done.” He also noted, as he often does, that he won the presidential election last fall, and he implored Hillary Clinton to run again.
In front of a hastily assembled White House press corps, Trump began his remarks by saluting McConnell and, as he described it, their longstanding friendship.
“We’re probably now closer than ever before,” the president proclaimed as McConnell grinned stiffly at his side. “My relationship with this gentleman is outstanding.”