In his final hours as president, top Republican Mitch McConnell is breaking from Trump. While delivering remarks on the Senate floor Mitch McConnel blasted the president for his involvement in the Capitol riot which broke out after President Trump delivered a speech during a Save America march. McConnell blamed Trump for the violence which left five dead saying that the mob was fed lies by the President and other officials which provoked the violent attack on the Capitol.

The Senate Majority Leader said, “The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people.”

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McConnell’s remarks come days after the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Trump on a charge of insurrection for his role in inciting the Jan. 6th riot.

The Kentucky Republican first voiced concerns of the constitutionality behind pursuing a second impeachment trial. McConnell made it clear he would not recommend the Senate reconvene early to begin a trial to convict Trump meaning the Senate cannot begin the process until after Trump has left office.

The Senate Majority Leader has first voiced concerns regarding the constitutionality of impeaching a president once he has left office. However, Democrats seemed to want to go full steam ahead with the trial in hopes that Trump will not be able to run for office again if he is convicted.

McConnell has been loyal to President Trump for years but has not clearly indicated if he will vote to oppose Trump’s impeachment. McConnell has joined other Republicans voicing concerns that a second impeachment trial will only further divide Americans during a time when peace and unity are paramount.

Democrats are hoping that McConnell’s comments signal he will vote to convict Trump. The party will need 17 Republicans to vote in favor of impeachment in order for Trump to be convicted.