Trump throws haymaker, calls on GOP to replace McConnell with Scott

Former President Trump on Tuesday night pressed his case for Florida Sen. Rick Scott as the next GOP Senate leader over Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell. 

In an interview on Blaze TV, Trump focused much of his time making his case for Scott over lauding his preferred candidates, who would including Florida GOP Sen. Marco Rubio, who posted an early reelection win. 

 McConnell earlier this year complained about "quality" of GOP candidates this election cycle, though didn't specifically mention any backed by Trump or other.

"I think Rick is very good," Trump said. "I think he's highly underrated. He's a smart guy who works hard and he was a great governor of Florida." 

The 45th president referred to McConnell as a "strange guy" and regretted backing him in the past. 

"I made a mistake when I endorsed him," Trump said. "Kentucky likes me a lot. They don't like him a lot."

In addition, McConnell and Scott have been at odds in recent months, largely over Scott's policy paper about his vision for the future of the GOP.

"I'm not a fan of McConnell, and I am a fan of Rick Scott," Trump answered when asked by show host Glenn Beck whether he would endorse Scott over McConnell. "And you have others out there that would be very good. The problem is because of his (McConnell's) position, he's able to raise money and he gives money to a lot of senators. 

When asked about some candidates he endorsed, the former president praised Arizona GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake for her presence and demeanor on camera. 

"She had a great sophistication," Trump said. "She had an amazing presence on television which in this world, is pretty important."