Trump slams top GOP senator as dour, sullen
WASHINGTON: Former US president Donald Trump has lashed out at Mitch Mcconnell, the top Senate Republican, calling him a “dour, sullen and unsmiling political hack”.
“Mitch is a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack, and if Republican Senators are going to stay with him, they will not win again,” Trump said in a statement on Tuesday. “Where necessary and appropriate, I will back primary rivals who espouse Making America Great Again and our policy of America First,” he added.
Trump’s outburst came days after Mcconnell said the former president was “practically and morally responsible” for the January 6 Capitol riot, and could still face legal jeopardy. “He didn’t get away with anything yet,” Mcconnel said in a speech from the Senate floor after voting to acquit Trump in his second impeachment trial last week.
The Republican Party is struggling to deal with Trump, who continues to be popular with its base.
Nearly 6 out of 10 registered Republicans said Trump should play a dominant role in the party, in a Morning Consult/politico poll released on Tuesday. And 54% said they will back him in the 2024 primary, a whopping 42 points ahead of former vice-president Mike Pence.