Previous President Donald Trump recently told Glenn Beck that he believes Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) would be “far better than” Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
Glenn Beck of Blaze TV asked Trump if he would support Scott to succeed McConnell as Republican Senate Chairman if the Republicans obtains the power of the Senate after the midterms.
“Well, I believe Rick is excellent. I think he’s under-appreciated; he’s a clever guy who works hard and tirelessly. He was an outstanding governor of Florida. He did a fantastic job, but he’s also an excellent senator,” Trump remarked.
“And it’s somewhat problematic because, you know, McConnell pays everybody their $20 million,” Trump continued, before Beck interrupted him to say that if Trump “backed” Scott, the American people would place pressure on some other Senators to embrace the leadership change.
“I think he’s under a lot of pressure,” Trump explained. “His wife is a high profile person for Chinese investment, and he and his family are in China. That isn’t appropriate in my opinion. No, I believe Rick Scott would be a far superior choice to McConnell.”
Trump then chastised McConnell’s wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, for resigning in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 Capitol Riots.
Trump stated:
“I understand, McConnell, possibly better than most. And his wife, whom I call CoCo Chow, worked for me for four years but was heartbroken. Do you understand? She has such a big heart. Even though it had absolutely nothing to do with me, she was devastated on January 6. And she went a week and a half prematurely, you know, to make her huge statement on her way out the door. So I was relieved to see her go, but she insisted on making that statement.”
“Now, I’m not really a fan of McConnell, however I am a fan of Rick Scott, and there are others in there who would be extremely great,” Trump continued.
Trump’s hesitation to back McConnell as Republican Senate Leader comes as certain Republican Senators have indicated that they will not back McConnell for leadership if Republicans regain the majority in the Senate.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), for example, stated he would not back McConnell, telling the press, “I don’t imagine I will, no.”
Furthermore, Republican Senate candidate Blake Masters of Arizona warned reporters that McConnell “will not own me,” before advocating for “new leadership” in the Republican Senate.
