'What a shame': Trump mocks McConnell's support as race looms for Senate Republican leader

Former President Trump mocked Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., during a rally Sunday in Kinston, North Carolina, calling him a “disgrace” despite winning his endorsement for president in 2024.

“Hopefully we get rid of Mitch McConnell soon because he helped them, that guy,” he said, claiming the Kentucky Republican supported the administration of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

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McConnell, the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, notably announced in February that he would no longer seek the role of party leader after the 2024 elections.

“Can you believe he supported me?” Trump asked the crowd on Sunday. “Boy, that must have been a painful day in his life.”

When it became clear in March that Trump would win the Republican presidential nomination, McConnell gave him his support. “It is abundantly clear that former President Trump has won the necessary support from Republican voters to become our nominee for President of the United States,” he said in a statement at the time.

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Former President Trump takes the stage during a campaign rally at JS Dorton Arena on November 4, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Given the contentious relationship between the two men, the recommendation came as a surprise to some. However, McConnell insisted that this should by no means be viewed as unusual. “It should come as no surprise that he will have my support as a candidate,” he said.

Regarding McConnell's endorsement at the start of 2024, Trump said Sunday: “Every time I think about it, he didn't have to do that.”

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McConnell called Trump “despicable,” according to a new book. (Reuters)

“He got the votes we needed,” Trump claimed, presumably referring to votes he disagreed with in Congress. “What a shame.”

McConnell's office did not provide Fox News Digital with comment in time for publication.

The former president's mockery of both McConnell and his support comes after the minority leader's own thoughts on him over the years were revealed in a new book.

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell arrives for a news conference after a lunch with Senate Republicans at the U.S. Capitol in 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

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In “The Price of Power” by Michael Tackett, deputy Washington bureau chief for The Associated Press, it was reported that McConnell had at times called Trump “sleazy,” “stupid,” “unpredictable,” and a “despicable human being,” and a “Narcissist.”

The secret election of the next leader to succeed McConnell is scheduled for November 13, immediately after the general election. In the race to replace him are Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-D., and Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Rick Scott, R-Fla.

Get the latest updates on the 2024 election, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital Election Center.