In a surprising turn of events, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell declared his support for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign on Wednesday. This announcement comes after a hiatus of over three years since their last communication, and follows McConnell’s explicit criticism of Trump for the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol.
“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,” McConnell stated. “It should come as no surprise that as nominee, he will have my support.”
McConnell’s endorsement was made public mere minutes after Trump’s last significant primary opponent, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, announced her withdrawal from the race on the morning following Super Tuesday. Trump’s dominance in the Super Tuesday races was evident across the nation.
McConnell, who recently announced his intention to retire as GOP leader at the end of this year, joins a growing list of top Republican senators who have thrown their support behind Trump. John Thune, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate who is vying to succeed McConnell, endorsed Trump earlier this month. Similarly, Texas Senator John Cornyn, another potential successor to McConnell, pledged his support to Trump following his victory in the New Hampshire primary.
This article has been updated to include recent developments.