Mitch McConnell criticizes Trump's calls to suspend Constitution, one of few Republicans to do so
![Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks to reporters.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XPrQVkhUmf9tJZUkx89nWA-415-80.jpg)
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday seemed to criticize former President Donald Trump's calls to "suspend" the Constitution, NPR reported.
"Anyone seeking the presidency who thinks that the Constitution could somehow be suspended or not followed, it seems to me would have a very hard time being sworn in as president of the United States," McConnell said while answering reporter's questions on Capitol Hill.
When asked by CNN if he would support Trump if he were the 2024 GOP nominee, McConnell would not commit either way.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"What I'm saying is it would be pretty hard to be sworn into the presidency if you're not willing to uphold the Constitution," McConnell answered. "That's what I said, and I've just said it again."
McConnell's comments were in response to a post made by the former president on his social media platform, Truth Social, in which he appeared to call for the termination of the Constitution, citing the disproven claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him.
"A massive fraud of this type allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution," Trump wrote. "Our great 'founders' did not want, and would not condone, False and Fraudulent elections!"
While the White House was quick to condemn Trump's remarks, the GOP reacted more slowly. McConnell has become one of very few within the party to speak outright against Trump's comments, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), possibly the next speaker of the House, has not referenced Trump's post directly.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
One Aldwych: where London's creative spirit takes centre stage
The Week Recommends This five-star Covent Garden hotel is the epitome of elegant independence
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Charlotte Dujardin and equestrianism's dark side
In the Spotlight Olympic gold medallist and dressage star's suspension over horse whipping brings abuse in horse sports back into the spotlight
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why Roman epic Those About to Die has split the critics
Talking Point Sword and sandals miniseries starring Anthony Hopkins puts spectacle above story
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Why is China stockpiling resources?
The Explainer The superpower has been amassing huge reserves of commodities at great cost despite its economic downturn
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
The GOP is Donald Trump Jr.'s party now
In The Spotlight The former president's gun-loving, live-streaming adult son has emerged as more than just his father's namesake — he's become a Republican powerhouse of his own
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
For God and country: is religion in politics making a comeback?
Talking Point There are many MPs of faith in the new Labour government despite it being the most openly secular House of Commons in history
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The attack on Donald Trump
Opinion We've seen this kind of shooter before
By Susan Caskie Published
-
74 things Donald Trump has said about women
Feature The former president has a long history of controversial remarks about the opposite sex
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
DHS opens review of Trump assassination attempt
Speed Read An independent panel will investigate the Secret Service's handling of the shooting
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Can Kamala Harris beat Trump?
Today's Big Question Some senior Democrats are unsure the vice-president can win in November even as party closes ranks behind her
By The Week UK Published
-
Iran: does Masoud Pezeshkian's election mark a turning point?
Talking Point New president is seen as a progressive but much will depend on how the US reacts
By The Week UK Published