Mitch McConnell Defends Bob Corker Against Trump: ‘Valuable Member’ of GOP

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) defended Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) against criticism from President Donald Trump, describing him as a “valuable member” of the Senate Republican caucus. “Sen. Corker is a valuable member of the Senate Republican caucus and he’s also on the Budget committee and a particularly important player as we move to the floor on the budget next week and he’s an important part of our team,” McConnell said on Monday. McConnell’s comments follow a war of words between the two men after Trump claimed that Corker had “begged” him for an endorsement for his reelection, asked to be Secretary of State, and lacked the “guts” to run. Corker then responded to Trump by suggesting that the White House had become an “adult day care center.” It’s a shame the White House has become an adult day care center. Someone obviously missed their shift this morning. — Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) October 8, 2017 When pushed on whether he agreed with Corker’s criticism of Trump, McConnell refused to give a response, and simply reiterated his “important” role in Congress. “[Corker is] an important part of our team and he’s a particularly important part of the budget debate which will be on the