Mitch McConnell defends calling Trump 'despicable human being', says JD Vance's remarks were worse

Mitch McConnell stressed that his remarks about Donald Trump were minor compared to those from other Republican senators like JD Vance and Lindsey Graham
Mitch McConnell said his criticism of Donald Trump was nothing as compared to what JD Vance and other GOP leaders said (Getty Images)
Mitch McConnell said his criticism of Donald Trump was nothing as compared to what JD Vance and other GOP leaders said (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell defended his post-2020 election remarks on Thursday, October 17, where he privately criticized Donald Trump, calling him "stupid" and "despicable."

“Whatever I may have said about President Trump pales in comparison to what JD Vance, Lindsey Graham, and others have said about him, but we are all on the same team now,” McConnel stated.

Mitch McConnell's critique of Donald Trump revealed in upcoming memoir

A POLITICO report has revealed Mitch McConnell's remarks about Donald Trump from nearly four years ago in a feature on excerpts from his forthcoming biography titled 'The Price of Power', authored by Michael Tackett, the deputy Washington bureau chief for the outlet.

The biography, set to be released at the end of this month, draws from comprehensive interviews with the Senate leader and his diaries.

In the period leading up to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, McConnell had voiced critical remarks about the former president. Recorded private comments reveal the Kentucky Republican characterized Trump as "stupid and ill-tempered" and "a despicable human being."

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 16:  (AFP OUT) U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Senate Majority Leader M
Mitch McConnell has defended his previous criticism of Donald Trump (Getty Images)

“It’s not just the Democrats who are counting the days,” McConnell stated.

“And for a narcissist like him,” McConnell further added, “That’s been really hard to take, and so his behavior since the election has been even worse, by far, than it was before because he has no filter now at all."

Mitch McConnell's complex relationship with Donald Trump

The relationship between Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump soured after the former recognized Joe Biden as the victor of the 2020 election. Nevertheless, despite their strained relations, McConnell endorsed Trump for the 2024 presidential election.

Republican Senators JD Vance and Lindsey Graham have previously expressed their disagreements with the former president. Vance, in 2016, mentioned his difficulty in supporting Trump regarding voting preferences, and Graham labeled the GOP nominee as a "jackass" amid their competition for the Republican presidential nomination in 2015.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at the US Capitol to attend the Repub
The relationship between Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump deteriorated after the 2020 election results were announced  (Getty Images)

Nonetheless, both senators have since mended their relationship with Trump.

In February, McConnell declared his plans to resign as the GOP leader in the Senate, mentioning that he will not pursue another term. He aims to serve out his existing term, which concludes in 2026.

Mitch McConnell slammed for defending his past criticism of Donald Trump

As soon as the news of Mitch McConnell defending his past criticism of Donald Trump surfaced on social media, people brutally slammed the GOP leader.

"That's right, same team, now they're all DESPICABLE HUMANS! Aiding and Abetting traitors, makes you a TRAITOR!" one social media user said.



 

Another added, "Yeah well I hope that means you go down with that sinking ship then. Probably just as well for you anyways…."



 

One commentator said, "Well good then you all can go down and to prison together."



 

"Does he mean dementia team?" asked another.



 

One person said, "Coward to the very end."



 

Another individual added, "Because he's spineless."



 

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.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Donald Trump’s diesel order could lower trucking costs, as diesel powers most commercial trucks and makes up 21% of trucking costs
25 minutes ago
'The New York Times, and many other Artificial Media Outlets, should be arrested for their dishonesty and disservice to our Country,' Trump said
33 minutes ago
The newly released documents also show that the Biden-era FBI monitored Susie Wiles’ calls with Trump’s lawyers, campaign aides, and journalists
2 hours ago
Thom Tillis called Pete Hegseth 'amateurish' in 2025 and questioned his ability to manage the Pentagon after weapons shipments to Ukraine were paused
2 hours ago
Trump previously defended the use of taxpayer funds for the ads, arguing they were intended to promote the country rather than any political candidate
2 hours ago
Days after the incident, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were 'strong indications' Iran played a part, though he offered no details
8 hours ago
The posts praised high-profile Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Pennsylvania Gov Josh Shapiro, and advocated for specific political policies, such as raising the minimum wage
9 hours ago
The NAACP filed the case after seeking records on the personnel's legal authority, locations, qualifications and training
9 hours ago
Vice President Vance cites past government ads as White House defends Trump public service announcements
9 hours ago
Trump said his Ohio rally was deliberately undercounted as he challenged coverage while campaigning for Republicans ahead of the November midterms
10 hours ago