McConnell Says He Expects Trump’s Conviction to Be Overturned on Appeal AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) — who is no fan of former President Donald Trump — 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

Still, McConnell’s post dashed the hopes of Never Trumpers who had hoped that Republicans would turn on Trump once he was a “convicted felon.”

Trump-hater George Conway slammed McConnell, 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

Never Trumper Damon Linker lamented that “leading GOP elected officials” would chose Trump “over the rule of law.

I’ve been saying for nearly two years that by putting Trump on trial, we were risking that Republicans would choose him over the rule of law. Now we get to see that play out right before our eyes. It’s playing out right now in statements by leading GOP elected officials.

— Damon Linker (@DamonLinker) May 30, 2024

Some took McConnell’s post as a serious sign from the Republican leader.

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.

 

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