President Donald Trump's once-close ally Mitch McConnell recently acknowledged President-elect Joe Biden's win the presidential election, much to the chagrin of his boss. As expected, the president took to his Twitter account to criticize the Kentucky lawmaker in a series of highly critical tweets.

Just one day after the Electoral College affirmed Biden's win, the Republican Senate majority leader decided to unexpectedly rescind support for the already defeated President. Speaking from the Senate floor in the US Capitol, he congratulated his old Senate colleague several days after his election victory that Trump refuses to accept, CNN reported.

As if that weren't enough, McConnell put his authority on the line by asking his Senate colleagues not to oppose when Congress meets for a joint session to affirm Biden's win on Jan. 6, according to the Associated Press. McConnell's recognition of the presidential election results paved the way for a dynamic between him and the president-elect.

It will be quite fascinating to see them go toe-to-toe from opposite ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. If McConnell ends up clinging to his majority after two runs-off elections in Georgia next year, he will have a notable say in which of the president's Cabinet picks can get confirmation.

If that comes to fruition, CNN predicts that the sweeping plan of Biden could come under threat and nothing will have a smooth passage through Congress if McConnell retains his current perch. In other words, McConnell's courteous words do not reflect on how the relationship will unfold.

After congratulating Biden, McConnell pointed out that the president-elect isn't a stranger to the Senate. McConnell went on to say that Biden has devoted himself to public service for several years.

This acknowledgment of Biden's victory came weeks after Democrats and the media pressured him to accept Biden's rightful win. McConnell's remarks Tuesday were symbolic in a way that put a lid on the Trump era, while his gesture showed how he plans to place himself as the opposition to the new president.

It is worth noting that his move wasn't without any risk. By contradicting the baseless conspiracy theories pushed by the president, he risked starting a feud with Trump. Meanwhile, the president is gearing up to set himself as the GOP leader in exile after Jan. 20.

McConnell's chance of retaining his position as Senate majority leader relies on two Senate run-offs in Georgia next month. It remains to be seen whether or not Trump can encourage his base voters to support them even when he is not on the ballot.