Mitch McConnell endorses Trump despite 'non-existent relationship': report

Mitch McConnell, although not known for being an enthusiastic ally of Donald Trump, always said that he would support the eventual GOP nominee.

After Nikki Haley dropped out of the race Wednesday, McConnell finally gave his endorsement to Trump despite having what Politico calls a "non-existent relationship" over the past three years.

"It is abundantly clear that former President Trump has earned the requisite support of Republican voters to be our nominee for President of the United States," McConnell said.

"It should come as no surprise that as nominee, he will have my support."

McConnell's statement, and Haley's suspension of her campaign, came after decisive victories in a string of Super Tuesday primaries for Trump. Haley won only one, in Vermont.

McConnell's decision to back Trump "amounts to a detente, however involuntary, after a rocky three years between the two men," writes Politico's Burgess Everett, who adds that the endorsement is a sign that the two men still need each other politically.

Also read: Trump backtracks and asks Nikki Haley voters for support as she drops out of GOP race

"McConnell did not speak to Trump for three years after the former president tried to overturn his 2020 loss, and Trump sought to oust McConnell as GOP leader after the 2022 midterms," Politico reported.

"The two did not speak directly about the endorsement, which was negotiated by McConnell adviser Josh Holmes and Trump adviser Chris LaCivita, according to a person familiar with the matter."

McConnell last week announced that he was stepping down as leader of the Republicans in the Senate.

Read the full op-ed over at Politico.