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(LibertySons.org) – Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has officially given former President Donald Trump his endorsement. The decision comes as the GOP opposition to the MAGA camp has visibly weakened, leaving outliers alone on the sidelines. McConnell’s decision will likely open the doors to Republicans’ full support of the conservative leader.
The New York Times reports that McConnell had been the highest-ranking member of the GOP to refuse Trump his endorsement. The two men hadn’t spoken since December 2020, but they had reportedly engaged in discussions on moving forward with the senator’s support.
McConnell had been among the minority of Republicans who blamed Trump for the January 6 Capitol riot. The GOP minority leader insisted that the former president had instigated the event by lying to his followers about his loss at the general election polls. House Democrats allege that he committed “a clear dereliction of duty,” according to ABC News. They claim that not only did Trump rile the angry mob, but he also had no desire to defuse it — even when informed that threats from the rioters had forced Vice President Mike Pence into hiding.
Special Counsel Jack Smith is currently pursuing felony charges against Trump for his alleged part in the tragic event. His indictment includes counts of conspiracy against rights, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and obstruction and attempting to obstruct an official proceeding.
The Associated Press writes that McConnell could have barred Trump’s bid for a second presidential run when the Senate held its impeachment trial, but the minority leader opted against convicting the MAGA leader. A conviction would have made the former president ineligible to run ever again.
McConnell had previously stated that he would endorse whoever won the GOP nomination, even if that person was Trump. The Kentucky senator plans to step down at the end of his term, noting that his values no longer mesh with those of the current Republican party.
~Here’s to Our Liberty!
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