After stepping down as Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell is navigating a new role in U.S. politics. The 82-year-old senator, known for his strategic leadership, is taking this phase of his career as an opportunity to be more vocal on issues that matter to him. However, despite past conflicts with Donald Trump, McConnell says he plans to support most of what the administration aims to achieve.
McConnell and Trump: A Complicated Relationship
McConnell and Trump have a long history of disagreements and personal insults. Trump once called McConnell a “sullen, unsmiling political hack,” while McConnell labeled Trump as “nasty,” “not very smart,” and a “sleazeball” in conversations with his biographer, Michael Tackett.
The tension worsened after the January 6 Capitol riot, which McConnell blamed on Trump, calling him “practically and morally responsible” for the violence.
Even with this history, McConnell has often stopped short of directly opposing Trump. Although critical, McConnell voted against convicting Trump during his impeachment trial, believing that the legal system would eventually hold Trump accountable. However, according to his biographer, this belief may have been a political miscalculation that tarnishes McConnell’s legacy.
The Supreme Court and McConnell’s Lasting Influence
McConnell’s most controversial and significant legacy lies in reshaping the U.S. Supreme Court. His decision to block Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland in 2016 set the stage for a conservative majority on the Court. This conservative tilt has led to landmark rulings, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade and changes to affirmative action in college admissions.
While critics, including his biographer, describe this as a “brutish exercise of power,” McConnell is proud of his actions, seeing them as a way to ensure that center-right voices are heard. However, public opinion about the Court has suffered.
A poll reveals that 70% of Americans believe Supreme Court decisions are driven by ideology, not fairness. McConnell blames Democrats for this perception, arguing that their criticism of the Court is what has hurt its reputation.
Current Priorities: Vaccines, Tariffs, and Senate Independence
Despite stepping down from leadership, McConnell plans to be more vocal about certain issues. For instance, he strongly supports vaccines, having been diagnosed with polio as a child. This may come into play as he considers opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has been critical of vaccines, a stance that McConnell finds deeply troubling.
McConnell is also against Trump’s tariffs, warning that they will increase costs for American consumers and create unnecessary conflicts with allies. Additionally, he is concerned about the increasing use of executive orders, which he views as a threat to the Senate’s independence.
A New Chapter, But Old Loyalties
Even though McConnell often disagrees with Trump, he acknowledges that Trump has the support of the Republican base and was democratically elected. McConnell plans to navigate this reality without leading any formal opposition but by making his opinions known on issues where he believes the administration is wrong.
As McConnell shifts into this phase of his career, he remains a powerful figure, capable of influencing both legislation and public discourse. His legacy is already cemented in the Supreme Court and major policy changes, but his next moves could further shape American politics in the years to come.
Mitch McConnell’s post-leadership career is far from quiet. He is ready to speak his mind, particularly on issues like vaccines, Senate independence, and government spending. His influence on the conservative transformation of the Supreme Court will remain a significant part of his legacy, and his decisions going forward could have lasting effects on American life.
While his relationship with Trump remains rocky, McConnell seems set on balancing his support for the party with his personal convictions.