Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) — no fan of former President Donald Trump’s — criticized the guilty verdict returned Thursday in the business records trial.
“These charges never should have been brought in the first place. I expect the conviction to be overturned on appeal,” he posted on X.
These charges never should have been brought in the first place. I expect the conviction to be overturned on appeal.
— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) May 31, 2024
Critics bashed the short and unpassionate post.
Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of the Federalist, responded, “Don’t throw your back out there, buddy. Simmer down!”
Don't throw your back out there, buddy. Simmer down! https://t.co/ladpKJ6pTW
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) May 31, 2024
Trump-hater George Conway slammed McConnell for even voicing mild criticism of the verdict, posting on X, “I still can’t fathom how so many people who should know better insist on debasing themselves like this.”
I still can’t fathom how so many people who should know better insist on debasing themselves like this. https://t.co/JdgSxmNTf6
— George Conway (@gtconway3d) May 31, 2024
Others took McConnell’s post as a warning sign of things to come.
Columnist T. Becket Adam’s wrote on X:
The last time Democrats busted a major norm for short-term political gain, McConnell responded by remaking the federal judiciary, including SCOTUS. If you’re satisfied with today’s verdict, savor it. You won’t enjoy what likely comes next. No one will.
The last time Democrats busted a major norm for short-term political gain, McConnell responded by remaking the federal judiciary, including SCOTUS. If you're satisfied with today's verdict, savor it. You won't enjoy what likely comes next. No one will. https://t.co/pi5nwe3RA3
— T. Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) May 31, 2024
McConnell will only have so many months to respond, however. He steps down as Republican Senate leader next year.
