n an upcoming biography, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell sharply criticized the current state of the Republican Party, labeling the “MAGA movement” as “completely wrong” and arguing that the party’s founder of modern conservatism, Ronald Reagan, “wouldn’t recognize” it today. McConnell specifically pointed to former President Donald Trump as the force that changed the party’s direction.
“Trump has done significant damage to our party’s image and our competitiveness,” McConnell remarked to Michael Tackett, author of The Price of Power, in an excerpt obtained by CNN. McConnell argued that Trump appeals to people who feel left behind, giving them excuses by suggesting that others’ successes are due to unfair advantages.
McConnell’s harshest words came when addressing Trump’s actions following the 2020 election loss, describing the former president as “erratic.” He noted, “About half the Republicans in the country believe whatever he says.” The Senate leader provided Tackett access to his archives, including oral histories from 1995, for the biography. Although McConnell voted to acquit Trump in the second impeachment trial, Tackett reveals that he had, at times, leaned toward a conviction.
[convertkit form=7288469]
McConnell was candid about his views, calling Trump “sleazeball,” “narcissist,” and “not very smart.” He added that Trump’s attacks on him did not bother him but felt that the former president’s remarks about his wife, Elaine Chao, went too far. Trump had referred to Chao, who served as his Transportation Secretary, as “Coco Chow” in a 2022 post, which McConnell said “deeply disturbed” his wife.
Following the Capitol attack, McConnell showed empathy for his staff, telling them, “You are my responsibility, and I hate that you had to go through this.” He described the rioters who stormed the Capitol as “narcissistic” and evidence of Trump’s “complete unfitness for office.”
In a statement to CNN about the biography, McConnell downplayed his comments, saying, “Whatever I may have said about President Trump pales in comparison to others.” Despite their contentious relationship, McConnell endorsed Trump and met with him in June during a gathering with Senate Republicans.
Beyond Trump, McConnell also took aim at Senator Rick Scott, who led the Senate Republicans’ campaign committee in 2022 and proposed a controversial policy plan that faced bipartisan criticism. McConnell criticized Scott’s approach to the midterms, calling it an “ill-fated effort” to divert attention from his own actions.
As he approaches the end of his term as Senate GOP leader, McConnell reflected on his legacy, particularly in reshaping the Supreme Court by confirming three conservative justices. However, he acknowledged that Justice Clarence Thomas had “exercised questionable judgment” by accepting trips from a GOP donor, though he noted the rules were unclear.
McConnell voiced support for special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Trump’s actions related to the 2020 election and the Capitol insurrection. “If what he did wasn’t indictable, I’m not sure what is,” McConnell said, expressing hope that Trump would face consequences for his actions.