After stepping down from his position as Senate leader, McConnell is now free to choose his own battles and may find himself in disagreement with President-elect Donald J. Trump as he uses his influence in new ways. McConnell, who has served as Senate leader for the longest period of time, is preparing to take on a different role in the next Congress.
Mitch McConnell, who has been the Senate leader for the longest time, will be stepping down from his position in the upcoming Congress. He intends to use his power in ways that may lead to disagreements with President-elect Donald J. Trump. McConnell feels free from the responsibilities of leadership and is now preparing to choose his battles.
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. Photo credit: Kent Nishimura for The New York Times.
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Written by Catie Edmondson
Bringing updates from the government
During President Donald J. Trump’s previous term, 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 while in the White House.
However, Mr. McConnell, who has been the Senate leader for the longest period of time, will be resigning from that position in January. This time, he seems to be preparing to take a different approach by concentrating on topics that might lead to disagreements with Mr. Trump regarding policies and staff at the beginning of 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. This sentiment was shared during a late-night voting session on the Senate floor last week.
He has shown doubt about certain controversial choices made by the president-elect for his administration. He has not commented on their selections and recently mentioned that it was right for former Representative Matt Gaetz to withdraw from consideration as attorney general. Mr. McConnell has indicated that he will focus on two issues during his remaining time in the Senate, which happen to be topics where he strongly disagrees with Mr. Trump, as he aims to solidify his legacy.
Mr. McConnell, whose term is set to end in 2027, has not confirmed if he will run for another term. He has expressed his intention to prioritize advancing his interventionist foreign policy stance over the next two years, which contrasts with the incoming president’s "America First" strategy. Additionally, McConnell aims to protect the Senate’s autonomy in the face of President Trump’s plans to exert influence over the chamber with his majority control.
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