Legendary Watergate investigative reporter Carl Bernstein called Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., “Midnight Mitch” on CNN due to his compressed schedule for the impeachment trial of President Trump. The moniker began trending on social media and comes after McConnell had previously been pegged “Moscow Mitch,” for refusing to move forward with legislation to protect the electoral system from foreign attacks.

McConnell’s impeachment proposal would give impeachment managers 24 hours over two days to present opening arguments in the Senate, which critics believe will result in evidence being presented in the middle of the night when the public isn’t watching.

"This is the most important moment for the Republican Party since the censure of Joe McCarthy and the impeachment and resignation of Richard Nixon in which Republicans became great heroes and patriots," Bernstein said on Monday night. "Now we’re looking at 'Midnight Mitch' and the so-called world’s greatest deliberative body, really embracing a cover-up that is there for all to see."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D- N.Y., has called McConnell’s proposed rules “appalling.”

“#MidnightMitch has already admitted he’s working hand-in-hand with Trump on the #impeachment trial & violating his oath to be impartial— but his proposed rules for the trial (holding the trial at 1am??) are yet more evidence that he’s helping the White House perpetrate a cover-up,” Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., tweeted.

A speedy Senate trial may be considered advantageous for President Trump, who has called his impeachment in the House a "hoax."

“Moscow Mitch” began trending in July and was popularized on the MSNBC program "Morning Joe." It alludes to Russian interference in U.S. elections.

McConnell has stated that he dislikes the “Moscow Mitch” moniker and has called it "over the top." Kentucky Democrats have raised funds by selling "Moscow Mitch" merchandise.

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