Mitch McConnell Promises 'Peaceful' Transfer Of Power As Trump Remains Defiant

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, a Republican, promised a “peaceful” transfer of power on Friday, as President Donald Trump sows doubt about the legitimacy of the election. Democratic nominee Joe Biden is on the cusp of winning the presidency.

When asked by reporters in Kentucky whether there would a peaceful handoff between Trump and Biden, McConnell replied: “of course.”

"We've had a peaceful transfer of power going back to 1792, every four years, we've moved on to a new administration,” the Kentucky senator said, according to The Hill.

As Biden comes close to seizing the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency, Trump has cried foul, claiming he was “cheated” of the election.

“If you count the legal votes, I easily win,” Trump said in a White House press briefing Thursday evening while providing no evidence for his claims. “We will not allow corruption to steal such an important election—or any election for that matter. We can’t allow anyone to silence our voters or manufacture results.”

The Trump campaign has filed lawsuits across the country. In Pennsylvania, the Trump campaign is trying to get the state to segregate ballots received after election day, although authorities have already done so.

McConnell is the latest high-profile Republican to somewhat rebuke the president. If Biden is elected, he will likely have to work closely with McConnell in the Senate to pass legislation, with the two leaders being personal friends.