Almost two weeks following the deadly Capitol riot, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that President Donald Trump and others “provoked” the violent mob.

“The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people,” McConnell said Tuesday on the Senate floor.

McConnell has mostly stood by throughout his presidency and his wife Elaine Chow served his administration as Transportation Secretary. Chao resigned after the riot.

The House of Representatives voted last week to impeach Trump for “incitement of insurrection” and as the Senate prepares to begin his trial. On Tuesday, McConnell mentioned that the House still needs to formally send the article of impeachment to the Senate.

With Trump’s term in office expiring at noon on Wednesday, the same time that President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in, Trump’s looming trial will be the first one for an ex-president. By the time the trial begins, however, McConnell will no longer be the majority leader and current Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) will have already assumed the role.

January 6 saw rioters violently storm the U.S. Capitol to prevent Congress from certifying the states’ Electoral College votes and Biden’s 2020 election win, resulting in five deaths.

RELATED: Prosecutors: ‘strong evidence’ shows Capitol rioters sought to ‘capture and assassinate’ officials

The riot happened after a rally in front of the White House opposing the certification, where President Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Rudy Giuliani, and others made spoke . At the rally, the speakers alleged widespread fraud cost the President the election.

Rioters stormed the Capitol after the event and Trump later spoke to supporters, encouraging peaceful protests and denouncing violence.

RELATED: Joe Scarborough calls for arrests of Trump, Giuliani, Trump Jr. for insurrection in fiery speech

You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.