Republican Party Heats Up, Donald Trump Attacks Minority Leader Mitch McConnell

JAKARTA - The feud between two senior Republican Party politicians, former President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, has escalated as the impeachment trial ended which failed to convict Trump.

"Mitch is a gloomy politician, sullen, and does not smile. If Republican Senators will stay with him, they will not win again", Trump said in a statement just three days after Mitch McConnell denounced him following the impeachment trial of the two former presidents cited from Reuters.

At last week's impeachment trial, McConnell did vote in favor of acquitting Trump from the indictment, arguing that the Constitution restricts impeachment and the law to current officials, not former officials.

But after the trial, McConnell stated that Trump was morally and practically responsible for the sedition charge that caused riots on Capitol Hill, Washington DC on January 6.

Trump and McConnell are said to have 'parted ways' moments after the US presidential election on November 3, recognizing Joe Biden's victory in mid-December. Both are said to have not spoken since that moment.

Both are said to be trying to take the Republican Party in opposite directions. McConnell returns to his pro-trade party budget-focused roots. Trump, who still supports a large part of the Republican voter base, advocates a more populist approach.

McConnell and Trump have both said they will try to take a role in the primaries for Congress in 2022.

"I welcome Republicans from all level, but what I care about is electability", McConnell said Monday.

A day later, Trump also spoke up.

"I will support the main rivals who support Making America Great Again and our policy on America First if necessary", Trump said, Tuesday.