McConnell refuses to touch upon Trump indictment: ‘I’m merely simply going to remain out of it’

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell declined to reply reporters’ questions Tuesday concerning the federal indictment of former President Donald Trump for allegedly mishandling labeled paperwork.

“The Republican campaign for the nomination has already been going on for six months. It’s going to be going on for a year longer,” the Kentucky Republican mentioned. “I’m just simply not going to comment on the candidates. We’ve got a bunch of them, and I’m simply just going to stay out of it.”

His refusal to debate the 2024 GOP presidential candidate got here in a split-screen second as Mr. Trump arrived for his arraignment at a Miami courthouse. Mr. Trump was formally arrested on 37 counts associated to storing delicate supplies at his Mar-a-Lago property after leaving workplace and allegedly obstructing justice.

Mr. McConnell has criticized Mr. Trump a number of instances prior to now, reminiscent of for the ex-president’s makes an attempt to overturn the 2020 election and for the 2021 Capitol riot that ensued.

Still, Mr. McConnell rebuffed reporters’ repeated questions.

Mr. Trump’s indictment by a south Florida grand jury stemming from particular counsel Jack Smith’s investigation has prompted a wave of help from GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

However, whereas there have been few defectors inside the occasion, House Republicans have been much more vocal of their protection of Mr. Trump and elevating accusations that President Biden has weaponized the Department of Justice in opposition to his political opponents.

Most high Senate Republicans, in the meantime, have taken extra measured approaches.