Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell reiterated his stance that former presidents, including Donald Trump, are not immune from criminal prosecution.
Speaking to “Face the Nation,” McConnell affirmed his position from early 2021, stating that former presidents can be held accountable by the criminal justice system and civil litigation.
McConnell’s comments come in the context of the Supreme Court considering whether Trump is entitled to broad immunity from federal prosecution, a decision critical to Trump’s legal future.
Mitch McConnell (Credits: Axios)
Despite voting to acquit Trump in the impeachment trial over the Jan. 6 Capitol assault three years ago, McConnell emphasized that former presidents can still face accountability through legal means.
Regarding his endorsement of Trump for president, McConnell stated that he has always maintained he would support the Republican nominee for president.
However, he declined to give advice to Trump regarding misinformation about Russia and Ukraine, focusing instead on turning the Senate into a majority Republican.
In discussing the Senate’s passage of a $95 billion foreign aid bill for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, McConnell expressed regret over the time it took to pass the package and credited Democrats for sticking together.
Mitch McConnell (Credits: Salon.com)
He emphasized the importance of ensuring his successor becomes the majority leader, regardless of the outcome of the presidential election.
When asked about countering Trump’s messaging on Ukraine and Russia, McConnell emphasized advocating for increasing the defense budget and preparing for long-term challenges posed by China, Russia, and Iran, regardless of who gets elected.
