After serving as Senate leader for a long time, McConnell is stepping down from his position in the upcoming Congress. He is now planning to use his power in ways that may lead to disagreements with President-elect Donald J. Trump.
After stepping down from his position as Senate leader, McConnell is looking forward to choosing his own battles and using his influence in ways that may clash with President-elect Donald J. Trump. McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader, is ready to assert his independence and take on new challenges in the next Congress.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky who has served as 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 building.
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 helping to advance his policies.
After serving as the Senate leader for a long time, Mr. McConnell will be stepping down from his position in January. It seems that this time, he is planning to shift his focus to topics that may lead to disagreements with Mr. Trump regarding policies and personnel at the beginning of his second term.
Lately, Mr. McConnell, who is 82 years old, has been telling his colleagues that stepping down from his leadership position has made him feel free. This includes conversations during a late-night voting session on the Senate floor last week.
Expressing doubt about certain controversial choices made by the president-elect for his team, he has chosen to remain silent on these appointments. Last week, he commented that it was fitting for former Representative Matt Gaetz to withdraw from consideration for attorney general. Additionally, he has indicated that as he works towards solidifying his reputation in the Senate before his term ends, he will focus on two key issues where his views differ significantly from those of Mr. Trump.
Senator McConnell, whose term ends in 2027 and has not indicated if he will run again, has stated that he will prioritize promoting his interventionist foreign policy over the next two years. This approach contrasts with the incoming president’s "America First" ideology. Additionally, McConnell aims to protect the Senate’s autonomy in the face of President Trump’s intention to exert control over the chamber with his majority in January.
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