Trump seeks challenger for McConnell as GOP leader in Senate: report

Old President TrumpDonald Trump Kinzinger Says Trump “Wins” Because So Many Republicans “Have Been Silent” Our strategy of combating terrorism from a distance is riskier than rewarded. examines possible candidates to remove the Senate Minority Leader Mitch mcconnellAddison’s (Mitch) Mitchell McConnell “Justice for J6” rally puts GOP in awkward position Republicans stand back from “Justice for J6” House rally to act on debt ceiling next week MORE (R-Ky.) From his leadership position, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Sources familiar with the situation told the Journal that Trump had spoken with senators and allies to assess whether there was any interest in impeaching McConnell, although lawmakers and aides told the publication there was so far little enthusiasm for this prospect.

Although he was one of Trump’s most powerful allies in the federal government when he was in power, a rift quickly formed between McConnell and the former president after his departure.

Although he did not vote to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial, McConnell said in February he believed Trump was “morally responsible” for provoking the deadly Jan.6 attack on Capitol Hill. .

“There is no doubt, no, that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for bringing about the events of the day. No doubt about it. The people who stormed this building thought they were acting according to the wishes and instructions of their president, ”McConnell said. .

In an interview just months after leaving office, Trump called for new leadership to replace McConnell.

“I think we’re going to do very well. We need good leadership. Mitch McConnell didn’t do a great job. I think they should change Mitch McConnell, ”Trump said in an interview with Fox News in April.

In August, Trump criticized McConnell as being “overrated” for his support for the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

“No one will ever understand why Mitch McConnell allowed this non-infrastructure bill to pass. He gave up all of his power for the big bill that will follow,” Trump said in a statement at the time. . “I’ve been saying quietly for years that Mitch McConnell is the most overrated man in politics – now I don’t have to be silent.”

Despite Trump’s attacks on McConnell, GOP support for the Kentucky senator has remained steadfast, threatening to divide Republicans as Trump seeks to consolidate his control over the party and punish those who publicly criticized him for his role in the attack of January 6.

Speaking to the Journal, the Senator John kennedyJohn Neely KennedyPLUS (R-La.), One of Trump’s allies in the Senate, expressed doubt that the former president would be able to oust McConnell.

“I just don’t see this happening realistically,” Kennedy said.

La Colline has contacted McConnell’s office for comment.