Negotiating Behind-the-Scenes for McConnell’s Support of Trump
TL/DR –
Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell are being encouraged by their close associates to rebuild their relationship, despite not having spoken since December 2020. The men’s top advisers, Chris LaCivita and Josh Holmes, have been conducting backchannel discussions to pave the way for McConnell to endorse Trump. Trump’s possible endorsement by McConnell, the last Republican holdout, is considered crucial in solidifying support in the party and among donor circles for his potential run in the 2024 presidential election.
Donald J. Trump and Mitch McConnell’s Potential Reconciliation
From December 2020, Donald J. Trump and Mitch McConnell ceased communication. However, insiders close to both men are laboring behind the scenes to reconcile their differences, according to three people familiar with both teams’ situation.
If McConnell endorses Trump, it would have a significant symbolic value for the former president and signal to donors and Trump-resistant Republican elites that their support for the expected nominee is valid.
Key advisers, Chris LaCivita for Trump and Josh Holmes for McConnell, have initiated secret discussions. These advisers have a working relation of over 20 years.
Moving Towards a Productive Relationship
Since the time of the Iowa caucuses, LaCivita and Holmes have begun making a concerted effort to exchange information, aiming to forge a more effective working relationship. Both Trump and McConnell are aware of this back-channel communication and Trump expects McConnell’s endorsement.
McConnell has always pledged to endorse the Republican Party nominee, even when questioned specifically about Trump, stating that he is “practically and morally responsible” for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Expectations for McConnell’s Endorsement
Trump anticipates consolidating every party faction and its donor class as soon as possible, well before the Republican National Convention in July. Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung stated, “President Trump is the presumptive nominee and it is time for the entire party to coalesce behind him to defeat Joe Biden”.
Relationship Between Trump and McConnell
The relationship between Trump and McConnell was never warm. Despite this, during Trump’s presidency, they worked together to pass a major tax cuts law and to confirm a record number of federal judges. However, their relationship shattered after the 2020 election.
McConnell viewed Trump as a dangerous liability after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, and the loss of two critical Senate races in Georgia.
McConnell’s Stance on Trump’s Actions
On Feb. 13, 2021, McConnell gave a speech laying out his indictment of Trump’s actions leading up to the Jan. 6 attack. McConnell stated that the criminal justice system was a more appropriate venue to hold Mr. Trump accountable for his actions.
In late February 2021, McConnell predicted a “wide-open race” for the 2024 presidential election. When asked if he would support Trump if he captured the Republican nomination, he replied: “The nominee of the party? Absolutely.”
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