After stepping down from his position as Senate leader, McConnell is now free to choose his battles and plans to use his power in ways that may clash with President-elect Donald J. Trump.
After stepping down from his position as Senate leader, McConnell is free to choose his own battles and use his influence in ways that may clash with President-elect Trump.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky and the Senate leader for the longest period of time, will be resigning from his position in January.
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Written by Catie Edmondson
Reporting from the government seat
During President Donald J. Trump’s previous term in the White House, Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky who was the majority leader at the time, played a significant role in supporting him and advancing his policies.
However, Mr. McConnell, who has been the Senate leader for the longest amount of time, will be resigning from his position in January. This time, it seems like he is preparing to take a different approach by focusing on topics that may lead to disagreements with Mr. Trump regarding policies and personnel at the beginning of his second term.
Lately, Mr. McConnell, aged 82, has been expressing to his colleagues that stepping down from his leadership position has made him feel free. This was highlighted during a late-night voting session on the Senate floor last week.
He has shown doubt about some of the president-elect’s controversial choices for his administration, choosing not to comment on their selections and stating that it was right for former Representative Matt Gaetz to withdraw from consideration as attorney general. Mr. McConnell has indicated that as he works to establish his legacy in the Senate, he will focus on two issues that he strongly disagrees with Mr. Trump on.
Senator McConnell, whose term will end in 2027 and has not confirmed if he will run again, has stated that he will prioritize advancing his foreign policy strategy in the next two years. This strategy differs from the incoming president’s "America First" approach. He also aims to protect the Senate’s independence, especially as President Trump has indicated his intention to assert control over the chamber with his upcoming trifecta in January.
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