'Cowardly final act': Mitch McConnell slammed for endorsing Donald Trump despite prior condemnation of Jan 6 attack

WASHINGTON, DC: Outgoing Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell announced his endorsement of Donald Trump's presidential bid, an abrupt deviation from his previous criticism of the former President's "disgraceful" act in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, reported Associated Press.

McConnell, who was the only remaining GOP Senate leader to back the ex-president's White House bid, declared the endorsement in a brief statement following the ex-president's strong performance in the Super Tuesday primaries and opponent Nikki Haley's withdrawal, solidifying his status as the presumptive nominee.

"It is abundantly clear that former President Trump has earned the requisite support of Republican voters to be our nominee for President of the United States," the No 1 Senate Republican said in a statement, declaring, "It should come as no surprise that as nominee, he will have my support."

McConnell, who will step down as Senate leader in November, has not spoken with Trump since 2020, when he declared Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election, denying the latter's claims of the election being rigged.

Mitch McConnell turns around on his Trump criticisms

McConnell was among the strong critics who called out Trump for allegedly instigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot to prevent the certification of Biden's 2020 election victory.

Based on a report by CBC News, the Kentucky Senator accused the former President of being "morally responsible" for the attack while addressing the Chamber in January 2021, shortly after they fell short of a majority to convict him over insurrection charges.

The longest-serving Senate Republican then denounced Trump's actions, calling it "a disgraceful, disgraceful dereliction of duty." But he voted to acquit him at the second impeachment trial.

However, McConnell's endorsement does not come as a surprise move because in February 2021, less than a month after Biden entered the White House, he vowed to support the ex-president if he secured the GOP nomination in 2024, as per Associated Press.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform to thank the outgoing Senate leader, writing, "Thank you, Mitch. I look forward to working with you and a Republican Senate MAJORITY to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Despite the White House hopeful's previous insults, directed at the Senator, calling him an "Old Crow" and racist remarks at his wife, Elaine Chao, the endorsement likely paves the way for their reunion. In addition, it would also push the skeptical Republicans to fall in line with his presidential race as it enters a general election mode with a Trump-Biden rematch in November.

Internet slams Mitch McConnell

Outraged at McConnell ultimately backing Trump, who is the presumptive GOP nominee, netizens lashed out at him for being a "spineless coward."

One user remarked, "Terrible. Partisanship above principle and the constitution. What a cowardly final act."

"It should come as no surprise that you're a spineless coward Mitch," another person wrote.

A third user opined, "Mitch has never been known for his consistency, to say the least."

"Pathetic. But not surprising," read a response. Whereas a fifth user dubbed McConnell a "Despicable man."

Someone else wrote, "The party rather than the nation. Shame on all Republicans who criticize Trump and then support him because it's the party first."

"These people have no self respect, no dignity , how, McConnell, Graham and others support Trump, it is shameful behaviour," read another remark.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.