After being freed from his leadership position, McConnell is preparing to choose his own battles. As the Senate’s longest-serving leader, he is stepping down in the upcoming Congress and intends to use his power in ways that may conflict with President-elect Donald J. Trump.
After stepping down as the longest-serving Senate leader, McConnell is now free from leadership responsibilities and looking to choose his own battles. He intends to use his influence in ways that may lead to disagreements with President-elect Donald J. Trump.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a member of the Republican party representing Kentucky, and the 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
Live coverage from the government building
During President Donald J. Trump’s time 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 a long time, Mr. McConnell is retiring from that position in January. He seems to be preparing to focus on different issues that may lead to disagreements with Mr. Trump regarding policies and personnel at the start of his second term.
Recently, Mr. McConnell, who is 82 years old, has been expressing to his colleagues that stepping down from his leadership role has made him feel free and liberated. This sentiment was shared during a late-night voting session on the Senate floor last week.
Expressing doubt about certain controversial appointments made by the president-elect for his administration, he has chosen not to comment on their selection. He also mentioned that it was fitting for former Representative Matt Gaetz to withdraw from consideration as attorney general. Additionally, he has indicated that he will focus on two key issues during his remaining time in the Senate, which happen to be areas where he differs significantly from Mr. Trump.
Senator McConnell, whose term is set to end in 2027 and has not confirmed if he plans to run for another term, has stated that he will be prioritizing his interventionist foreign policy agenda 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, especially as President Trump has indicated his intention to exert influence over the chamber with his majority in January.
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