Donald Trump dramatically broke his relative silence today to re-stake his claim to the soul of his party, against the second most powerful Republican, Senator Mitch McConnell.
McConnell's been a long time ally, delivering him repeated victories .. including acquittal just days ago on charges of inciting insurrection on the 6th of January at the Capitol.
But in a 600 word statement, Trump has now excoriated McConnell, calling him an unsmiling political hack, and warning the party would not win if he remained in charge.
USSC associate professor David Smith spoke to ABC's PM program saying a direct response to McConnell's stance immediately after that trial.