Former President Donald Trump shattered two days of relative peace Saturday night during an invitation-only speech at Trump's new Mar-a-Lago home.
Saturday’s speech was the final address of the Republican National Committee’s weekend donor summit in Palm Beach. Most of the RNC’s closed-door gathering was held at a luxury hotel a few miles away from Mar-a-Lago; attendees were bused to Trump’s club for his remarks.
Ahead of his closing remarks to the GOP's top donors, advisers said Trump would emphasize his commitment to his party and Republican unity. Instead, Trump slammed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as a "stone-cold loser" and mocked McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, who was Trump's transportation secretary.
Multiple attendees of the event said Trump also criticized former Vice President Mike Pence's performance, saying he was "disappointed" in Pence.
Trump's words left some at the event feeling uncomfortable, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. "We are much better off if we keep focusing on the Democrats. Period,” Gingrich said.
Trump's team reported that his remarks were intended to reinforce his continued leadership role in Republican affairs.
“Saturday’s speech will be welcomed words to the Republican donors visiting Mar-a-Lago to hear directly from President Trump,” Trump adviser Jason Miller said. “Palm Beach is the new political power center, and President Trump is the Republican Party’s best messenger.”
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