(CNN)Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday slammed former President Barack Obama for criticizing the Trump administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic during a private call last week, asserting that he "should have kept his mouth shut."

       "I think it's a little bit classless, frankly, to critique an administration that comes after you," McConnell told President Donald Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, during a Trump campaign live stream. "You had your shot, you were there for eight years. I think the tradition that the Bush's set up -- of not critiquing the president who comes after you -- is a good tradition."

       His comments come after Obama described the Trump administration's coronavirus response "an absolute chaotic disaster" during a private call on Friday with people who worked for him in the White House. The critique marked a rare break in custom for Obama who has occasionally criticized Trump -- such as when he ended the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program and in the wake of the President's first travel ban executive order.

       President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has had a years-long fixation with Obama that predates his presidential campaign and has repeatedly disparaged his predecessor with unfounded conspiracy theories.

       Earlier Monday, the President was asked about one of his Mother's Day tweets where he seemingly accused Obama of some kind of conspiracy against his administration.

       Read More

       "Obamagate. It's been going on for a long time," he claimed at the White House, without offering specifics or evidence. "It's been going on from before I even got elected, and it's a disgrace that it happened."

       Speaking specifically about US response to the coronavirus outbreak, Obama said in his call with members of the Obama Alumni Association that the current administration's actions serve as a critical reminder for why strong government leadership is needed during a global crisis.

       The call was intended to encourage former Obama staffers to become more engaged in Biden's presidential campaign.

       "It's part of the reason why the response to this global crisis has been so anemic and spotty," Obama said.

       "It would have been bad even with the best of governments. It has been an absolute chaotic disaster when that mindset -- of 'what's in it for me' and 'to heck with everybody else' -- when that mindset is operationalized in our government."

       After formally endorsing his former vice president, Joe Biden, last month, Obama said he would be deeply involved in the campaign to help Biden win the White House.

       CNN's Jeff Zeleny contributed to this report.

       Paid Content

       Instantly unblock Gmail, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram &… expressvpn

       Discover the Most Expensive Homes in Los Angeles Mansion Global

       Learning a new language this year? – This app gets you… Babbel

       How to Protect Your Online Identity With One Simple Tool ExpressVPN

       Why Is Everybody Snapping Up This New $49 Smartwatch? OshenWatch

       Discover the Most Expensive Homes in London Mansion Global

       How To Get Unrestricted Internet Access Worldwide With One Simple Tool! ExpressVPN

       CNN International - Videos Alec Baldwin's version of Donald Trump returns to 'Saturday Night…

       CNN International - Videos Fauci to Cuomo: Don't think people realized how you were…

       World Donald Trump blames China for Covid-19 outbreak. This is how…

       Politics Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer dismisses Jared Kushner's claim

       World WHO warns smokers "more likely to develop severe disease with…

       World May 11 coronavirus news

       Politics The coronavirus collapse could break Trump

       China: New WiFi Booster Stops Expensive Internet Next Tech

       Discover the Most Expensive Homes in Miami Mansion Global

       Check Out These Dubai Mansions That Offer Luxury You Can Only Imagine Mansion Global