After stepping down from his role as the longest-serving Senate leader, McConnell is now free to choose his battles independently and may clash with President-elect Donald J. Trump as he uses his influence in the next Congress.
After stepping down as Senate leader, McConnell is now free to choose his battles and use his influence in ways that may clash with President-elect Trump. McConnell, who has served in the Senate for a long time, is ready to take on new challenges and assert his own priorities.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky who has held the position of Senate leader for the longest period of time, will be resigning from his position in January. Photo by Kent Nishimura for The New York Times.
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Written by Catie Edmondson
Covering news from the seat
During President Donald J. Trump’s tenure in the White House, Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky who served as the majority leader at that time, played a significant role in supporting Trump and getting his policies passed.
Mr. McConnell, who has held the position of Senate leader for the longest period of time, will be resigning from that role in January. This time, he seems to be preparing to shift his focus to issues that may lead to disagreements with Mr. Trump regarding policies and personnel as he begins his second term.
Lately, Mr. McConnell, who is 82 years old, has been expressing to his colleagues that stepping down from his leadership position has made him feel free, as seen during a late-night Senate session last week.
He has shown doubt about some of the president-elect’s controversial choices for his administration, remaining silent on their appointments and stating last week that the decision to withdraw former Representative Matt Gaetz from consideration as attorney general was the right one. Mr. McConnell has also indicated that he will focus on two key issues during his remaining time in the Senate, which happen to be topics where he strongly disagrees with Mr. Trump, as he works to solidify his legacy.
Senator McConnell, whose term lasts until 2027 and has not indicated if he will run again, intends to prioritize his interventionist foreign policy over the next two years. This approach contrasts with the incoming president’s "America First" strategy. Additionally, McConnell aims to protect the Senate’s autonomy as President Trump, who will have control over all branches of government in January, has expressed his intention to exert influence over the Senate.
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