Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) made a bombshell announcement on Wednesday, February 28: He is stepping down as GOP leader in the U.S. Senate in November. But unlike former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California), who left Congress at the end of 2023 after announcing his resignation, the 82-year-old McConnell plans to serve out the rest of his term.
X, formerly Twitter, has been full of reactions to McConnell's announcement.
Progressive legal expert Elie Mystal, often featured on MSNBC, had a biting rection, tweeting, "Mitch McConnell has been the most successful Confederate since John C. Calhoun. Congratulations to him and his people in their service of evil."
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The Bulwark's Tim Miller, a former GOP strategist, was highly critical of McConnell as well.
The Never Trump conservative posted, "Had McConnell retired in January 2021 & led the conviction of Donald Trump his legislative legacy would've been about the same & he would've saved the country from the anti-democratic threat he saw clearly. We would not be on the precipice we are on now if not for his cowardice."
Democratic attorney Kaivan Shroff wrote, "McConnell’s legacy: Reminder that Capitol Police released a statement expressing 'profound disappointment' with Mitch McConnell for his attempt to cover-up the January 6th domestic terror attack on the U.S. Capitol on behalf of Donald Trump."
Criticism of McConnell, however, came not only from progressives, liberals and Never Trump conservatives, but also, from some far-right MAGA Republicans.
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Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), a Donald Trump loyalist, tweeted, "I called on McConnell to step down over a year ago. This is good news. But why wait so long - we need new leadership now."
Far-right MAGA conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer is angry because McConnell will continue to serve as Senate minority leader until November.
Loomer tweeted, "Why are Republicans so stupid? Ronna Romney should be forced to step down BEFORE Super Tuesday. Mitch McConnell should be forced to step down BEFORE NOVEMBER. You don't let the Fox stay inside the barn. You drive them out. What the hell is wrong with these people."
Another far-right MAGA Republican and Trump devotee, Debra Garrett, posted, "Why is everyone excited over the Turtle McConnell resigning, he’s not leaving for 9 FREAKING MONTHS!!!! Why not now???"
Trump supporter Sharon Shepard posted, "McConnell will be resigning come November thank God he's not a Republican he's been a democrat most of his life."
Los Angeles-based radio host Larry Elder — a former libertarian turned neocon turned MAGA Republican who is supporting Trump in 2024 — tweeted, "Citing his age, Mitch McConnell says he is resigning from his position as the Republican Senate leader. Note to self: McConnell is only 10 months older than Biden.
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