McConnell Says Obama ‘Should’ve Kept His Mouth Shut’ In Criticizing Trump’s COVID-19 Response

During an online Trump campaign event moderated by Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) said that President Barack Obama “should’ve kept his mouth shut” on the current administration’s handling of the pandemic. “We know he doesn’t like much this administration,” he said. “That’s understandable, but I think that’s a little bit classless, frankly to critique an administration that comes after you. You had your shot. You were there for eight years.”

Earlier this week, a private phone call between Obama and his former aides was leaked. Obama described Trump’s response to coronavirus as an “absolute chaotic disaster.” “It would have been bad even with the best of governments,” Obama said, but Trump’s “what’s in it for me” mentality exacerbated the ravages of the pandemic. “It’s part of the reason why the response to the global crisis has been so anemic and spotty.”

Obama also added that the administration’s “to heck with everybody else” attitude reminded him to gear up for Vice President Joe Biden‘s campaign. “That’s why, I, by the way, am going to be spending as much time as necessary and campaigning as hard as I can for Joe Biden.”

McConnell did not comment specifically on Obama’s remarks, but only expressed his disapproval of the President’s stark criticism. “I think the tradition that the Bushes have established of not critiquing the President who comes after you is a good tradition,” he said.

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