The two top Republicans in Congress took two very different approaches to former President Donald Trump's landslide victory in the Iowa caucuses on Monday night.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) praised the former president, saying he was key to Republicans regaining the Senate, the White House and keeping the House in November.
On the other side of the Capitol, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has remained silent for much of the 2024 Republican presidential primary, is not scheduled to make a statement.
“Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his landslide victory in Iowa! Today, Republican voters cast their votes in difficult conditions and voted against President Biden's failed economic and open borders policies,” Johnson said in a statement. “He has shown his determination to put an end to it.” “Thank you to all the candidates, volunteers and voters who braved the weather to participate in our great tradition of caucuses.”
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House Speaker Mike Johnson has endorsed former President Donald Trump for re-election in 2024, but Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has largely stayed out of the campaign. (Getty Images)
“Tonight's vote affirmed President Trump's extraordinary record and his continued vision to rebuild our economy, secure our borders, and defend the freedoms and values that make America great.”
Trump won the Iowa caucuses with more than 50% of the vote, despite spending less time campaigning in the state than his primary opponent. Johnson suggested on Monday night that it was time for the Republican Party to unite around Trump following his “decisive” victory.
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Trump won a landslide victory in the 2024 Iowa caucuses. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
“With President Trump in the White House, we will work with the Republican majority in Congress to build a wall, permanently end the Biden border crisis, rein in inflation and restore a strong economy, rebuild our military, and hold elections.” “secure and create prosperity that will last for generations,'' Johnson said.
“His decisive and historic victory tonight will move our party closer to unity and achieve final victory in November.”
Earlier this month, Trump secured the support of House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), with the support of all House Republicans, sending him to the Iowa caucuses. Johnson endorsed Trump in November.
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House Majority Whip Tom Emmer endorsed Trump earlier this month. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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This is in stark contrast to his Senate colleagues, including the top two Republicans, Mr. McConnell and Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R.S.D. – I have mostly stayed away from racing.
But Mr. Trump also has the support of Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the No. 3 Republican in the Senate, and Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), the top Republican in the Senate. .
FOX News Digital has reached out to McConnell's office for comment.
