After stepping down as the Senate leader, McConnell is looking forward to choosing his own battles and using his power in ways that may clash with President-elect Donald J. Trump. McConnell, who has served the longest in the Senate, is now free from his leadership role.
Mitch McConnell, who has served as Senate leader for the longest time, is stepping down from his position in the upcoming Congress. He intends to use his power in ways that may lead to conflicts with President-elect Donald J. Trump. McConnell is now free from the constraints of leadership and is prepared to choose his own battles.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a member of the Republican party from Kentucky and the Senate leader for the longest period of 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
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 held the position of majority leader at the time, played a significant role in supporting and advancing Trump’s agenda.
After serving as Senate leader for a long time, Mr. McConnell will be resigning from the position in January. This time, he seems to be preparing to take a different approach, concentrating on matters that may lead to disagreements with Mr. Trump regarding policy and personnel as he begins his second term.
Recently, Mr. McConnell, who is 82 years old, has mentioned to his colleagues that stepping down from his leadership position has made him feel free. This was evident during a late-night voting session in the Senate last week.
He has shown doubt about some of the president-elect’s controversial choices for his team, not openly supporting their selections. Last week, he remarked that it was right for former Representative Matt Gaetz to withdraw from consideration as attorney general. Mr. McConnell has indicated that as he looks to solidify his legacy in the Senate, he will focus on two issues that he disagrees with Mr. Trump on.
Senator McConnell, who is set to serve until 2027 and has not confirmed if he will run for re-election, has expressed his intention to prioritize promoting 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 of all branches of government in January, has indicated his desire to exert influence over the Senate.
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