Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Wednesday congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his presidential election victory.
Trump picked up major wins in several key swing states, including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Projections from the election also show Republicans are primed to take control of the Senate.
Speaking to reporters, McConnell cheered the projected results and acknowledged Trump’s achievement of retaking the Oval Office after being voted out in 2020.
“It’s certainly a happy day for the GOP,” he said. “Let me start by congratulating President Trump. What he’s accomplished has not been done since Grover Cleveland.”
“I also want to commend the Trump campaign for running a sharper operation this time,” he added. “They ran a spectacular race.”
McConnell had endorsed Trump’s run for the White House in March following his decision to step down from his leadership role.
“To serve Kentucky in the Senate has been the honor of my life; to lead my Republican colleagues has been the highest privilege; but, one of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter,” McConnell, 82, said during congressional remarks.
McConnell had condemned Trump following the events of Jan. 6, 2021, saying Trump was unequivocally responsible for the demonstration.
“There is no question, none, that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the event of that day,” the senator said. “The people who stormed this building believed they were acting on the wishes and instructions of their president.”
McConnell made headlines in 2023 after appearing to freeze while speaking on multiple occasions. A Capitol physician said the incidents were not indicative of a stroke or seizure.
Have a news tip? Contact Jackson Walker at jacwalker@sbgtv.com or at x.com/jlwalker.