After stepping down as the Senate leader, McConnell is now free to choose his battles independently from Trump. He intends to use his power to potentially conflict with the President-elect in the upcoming Congress.
After stepping down as Senate leader in the upcoming Congress, Mitch McConnell is looking forward to choosing his own battles and using his influence in ways that may not align with President-elect Donald J. Trump. McConnell is no longer bound by his leadership role and is prepared to assert his independence in political decisions.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky and the Senate leader for the longest time, will be resigning from his position in January.
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Written by Catie Edmondson
Reporting from the seat of government
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 part in supporting him and helping to advance his policies.
Mr. McConnell, who has been the Senate leader for the longest period of time, will be resigning from his position in January. This time, he seems to be preparing to take a different approach by concentrating on matters that may lead to disagreements with Mr. Trump regarding policies and personnel 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 role has made him feel free. This sentiment was shared during a late-night voting session on the Senate floor last week.
Expressing doubt about certain controversial choices made by the president-elect for his team, he has chosen not to comment on their appointments. He also deemed it fitting that former Representative Matt Gaetz removed himself from consideration for attorney general. With his time in the Senate winding down, he has indicated that he will focus on two key issues that do not align with Mr. Trump’s views, as he seeks to solidify his legacy.
Senator McConnell, who will hold his position until 2027 and has not indicated if he will run for re-election, has stated that he will prioritize promoting his interventionist foreign policy beliefs 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 given President Trump’s intentions to exert influence over the chamber with his upcoming governing majority.
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