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- U.S. Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell, has attributed the recent attack on the U.S. Capitol to outgoing President Donald Trump
- During a speech, McConnell stated that the mob of right-wing extremists was provoked by Trump and other powerful people
- This is the first time that McConnell has explicitly denounced the President for his part in inciting the violent riot
- Previously considered a staunch supporter of Trump, McConnell has now changed his tune since the insurrection on January 6
- McConnell’s admonition comes on the final day of Trump’s term as President, and on the eve of President-elect Biden’s inauguration
U.S. Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell, has attributed the recent attack on the U.S. Capitol to outgoing President Donald Trump.
On January 6, thousands of pro-Trump protesters stormed the Capitol during Congress’ certification of the electoral vote results. The violent event forced members of Congress to evacuate or barricade themselves inside the building, and resulted in the deaths of five people.
The mob of right-wing extremists did so in response to comments from Trump, which encouraged them to act to overturn the election of Joe Biden.
During an opening speech on the Senate floor today, McConnell admitted that President Donald Trump incited the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
“The last time the Senate convened, we had just reclaimed the Capitol from violent criminals who tried to stop Congress from doing our duty,” he said.
“The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the President and other powerful people,” he added.
This is the first time that McConnell has explicitly denounced Trump for his part in inciting the violent riot. It also makes him the highest-profile Republican to publicly rebuke the President in the wake of the attack.
Up until recently, outgoing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been considered a staunch and loyal supporter of Trump. However, he has changed his tune since the insurrection on January 6, particularly when it comes to the issue of Trump’s impeachment and potential conviction in the weeks to come.
McConnell’s admonition comes on the final day of Trump’s term as President, and on the eve of President-elect Biden’s inauguration. During his speech, McConnell also provided assurances that the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris will be safe and successful.
