On 2024, McConnell Does an 'About-Face' on Trump

Says he'll 'absolutely' support former POTUS if he's the nominee
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 26, 2021 1:02 AM CST
McConnell: I'll 'Absolutely' Back Trump If He Wins Nomination in 2024
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., returns to the chamber as the Senate voted to consider hearing from witnesses in the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, at the Capitol in Washington, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Mitch McConnell and former President Trump are not exactly BFFs, but the Senate minority leader told Fox News on Thursday he'd "absolutely" support the former POTUS were he to become the Republican presidential nominee in 2024. But, he added, "there's a lot to happen between now and '24. I've got at least four members, I think, that are planning on running for president, plus governors and others. There is no incumbent, [so it] should be a wide-open race and fun for you all to cover." Axios' Mike Allen has reported that when Trump speaks at CPAC on Sunday, he "plans to send the message that he is the Republicans' 'presumptive 2024 nominee' with a vise grip on the party's base," though he has not formally declared he will run.

McConnell, of course, voted to acquit Trump at his latest impeachment trial but then accused the former president of being "practically and morally responsible for provoking the events" of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot; this is his first time speaking publicly about the former president since then. CNN calls his comments to Fox News "a notable commitment following his recent blistering critiques," and the Hill goes with "a remarkable about-face." But, the network notes, they also show how reluctant the GOP is to move on from Trump, given his continued popularity with a large portion of Republicans. "I'm pretty sure he will win the nomination" if he runs in 2024, Mitt Romney told the New York Times this week. (More Mitch McConnell stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X