After stepping down from his leadership role, McConnell is now free to choose his battles in the Senate. As the longest-serving Senate leader, he will be using his influence in ways that may clash with President-elect Donald J. Trump.
After stepping down from his leadership position, McConnell is now free to choose his own battles. As the Senate’s longest-serving leader, he is preparing to utilize his power in ways that may lead to disagreements with President-elect Donald J. Trump.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican representing Kentucky and the Senate leader for a long time, will be resigning from his position in January. Photo credit goes to Kent Nishimura for The New York Times.
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Written by Catie Edmondson
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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 and advancing his agenda.
After serving as Senate leader for the longest period of time, Mr. McConnell will be stepping down from his position in January. It seems that he is now shifting his focus towards matters where he may disagree with Mr. Trump in terms of policies and personnel as Trump begins his second term.
Recently, Mr. McConnell, aged 82, has been expressing to his colleagues that stepping down from his leadership position has made him feel free and liberated. This feeling was evident during a late-night voting session on the Senate floor last week.
He has expressed doubts about some of the president-elect’s controversial choices for his team, choosing not to comment on their appointments. Last week, he mentioned that it was right for former Representative Matt Gaetz to withdraw from consideration for attorney general. Additionally, Mr. McConnell has indicated that he will focus on two key issues during his time left in the Senate, which happen to be areas where he differs from Mr. Trump.
Mitch McConnell, who will serve until 2027 and has not confirmed if he will run for another term, intends to prioritize his interventionist foreign policy over the next two years. This approach contrasts with the incoming president’s "America First" stance. McConnell also aims to protect the Senate’s autonomy as President Trump, with control over both houses of Congress, has made it clear he aims to exert his influence over the Senate.
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