Tucker Carlson has strongly criticized Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for what he called a “coup” against President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda. The conservative commentator’s remarks come after McConnell announced he would step down from his leadership role, prompting an early election to select the next Senate Republican Leader.
McConnell’s decision to hold the leadership election before the new Congress is sworn in has raised eyebrows, with many questioning his motives. Traditionally, Senate leadership elections occur after the new Congress begins, making this early vote a significant and unprecedented move. The election is set to take place on November 13, 2024, and it has already sparked fierce competition among key Republican senators.
Among the contenders are Rick Scott of Florida, John Thune of South Dakota, and John Cornyn of Texas. Scott, a close ally of Trump, has gained substantial support within conservative circles. His promise to prioritize speeding up Trump’s nominations and aligning more closely with the former president’s vision has won him endorsements from high-profile figures, including Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Carlson voiced his frustration over McConnell’s actions, which he believes undermine Trump’s influence within the party. “What the hell is going on in the US Senate? Hours after Donald Trump wins the most conclusive mandate in 40 years, Mitch McConnell engineers a coup against his agenda by calling early leadership elections,” Carlson said.
He went on to describe two of the candidates—Thune and Cornyn—as being opposed to Trump’s vision. He specifically called Cornyn an “angry liberal,” likening his politics to those of former Republican Representative Liz Cheney. In contrast, Carlson threw his full support behind Scott, emphasizing that the Florida senator is the only candidate who truly shares Trump’s priorities.
Carlson’s endorsement of Scott comes at a critical moment for the Republican Party, as the Senate leadership election could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the party and its relationship with Trump. Carlson urged his followers to contact their senators and demand that they publicly endorse Scott, warning that McConnell should not be allowed to “get away with it again.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., another Trump ally, echoed Carlson’s sentiment, stressing the importance of Scott’s leadership for the success of the Trump reform agenda.
Kennedy, who is expected to be appointed as the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary or health czar in the new administration, tweeted, “Without Rick Scott, the entire Trump reform agenda [is] wobbly.”
As the election approaches, the stakes are high for the future of the Republican Party. If Scott wins the leadership position, it could mark a significant shift in the Senate’s direction, with a closer alignment to Trump’s policies and vision for America.