Trump blasts Pence, McConnell in speech to GOP donors
PALM BEACH, Fla. — It was supposed to be a unifying weekend for a Republican Party at war with itself over former President Donald Trump’s divisive leadership. But Mr. Trump himself shattered two days of relative peace in his closing remarks to the GOP’s top donors when he insulted the party’s Senate leader and his wife.
Ahead of the invitationonly speech at Mr. Trump’s new home inside his Mar-aLago resort, the former president’s advisers said he would emphasize his commitment to his party and Republican unity.
Mr. Trump veered sharply from prepared remarks Saturday night and instead slammed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R- Ky., as a “stone- cold loser” and
mocked Mr. McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, who was Mr. Trump’s transportation secretary.
Mr. Trump also said he was “disappointed” in his vice president, Mike Pence,
and used a profanity in assessing Mr. McConnell, according to multiple people in attendance. He said Mr. McConnell had not thanked him properly for putting Ms. Chao, who was labor secretary under President George W. Bush, in his Cabinet.
Mr. McConnell’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday.
Mr. Trump’s words left some attendees feeling uncomfortable.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich did not defend Mr. Trump as he left Palm Beach on Sunday.
“We are much better off if we keep focusing on the Democrats — period,” Mr. Gingrich said.
Saturday’s speech was the final address of the Republican National Committee’s weekend donor summit in Palm Beach. Most of the RNC’s closed-door gathering was held at a luxury hotel a few miles away from Mar-aLago; attendees were bused to Mr. Trump’s club for his remarks.
While a significant faction of the Republican Party hopes to move past Mr. Trump’s divisive leadership, the location of the event — and the former president’s prominent speaking slot — suggests the GOP, at least for now, is not ready to replace Mr. Trump as its undisputed leader and chief fundraiser.
Ahead of his latest attack on fellow Republicans, Mr. Trump’s team reported his remarks were intended to reinforce his continued leadership role in Republican affairs, a sharp break from past presidents.
“Saturday’s speech will be welcomed words to the Republican donors visiting Mar-a-Lago to hear directly from President Trump,” Trump adviser Jason Miller said. “Palm Beach is the new political power center, and President Trump is the Republican Party’s best messenger.”