WASHINGTON (AP) — With his leadership position behind him, Sen. Mitch McConnell has been candid about his views, as the longtime GOP leader has openly criticized President Donald Trump’s more notable Cabinet nominees, often standing alone among Republican colleagues when he votes no.
Regarding Pete Hegseth, now the defense secretary, who has been accused of excessive drinking and aggressive conduct towards women, McConnell remarked that the combat veteran had “failed, as yet, to demonstrate” his readiness for the position.
He added, “The desire to be a change agent is not enough.”
As for Tulsi Gabbard, who was sworn in this week as director of national intelligence, McConnell criticized her for having “a history of alarming lapses in judgment,” particularly pointing to her stances on Russia, China, and the security breach by former government contractor Edward Snowden.
When Senate Republicans confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run the Department of Health and Human Services, McConnell, who is a polio survivor and used a wheelchair during the vote, expressed his opposition.
“A record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions does not entitle Mr. Kennedy to lead these important efforts,” the senator from Kentucky stated.
This is McConnell unfiltered, just three weeks into the Trump administration, and as he adapts to his new role as one of 100 senators rather than the Senate GOP leader. His ability to influence the institution, where he has played a significant role for nearly 40 years, is being put to the test.
McConnell is not an anti-Trump Republican and does not represent the face of GOP opposition to the White House. He has supported the confirmation of Trump’s other nominees and indicated he intends to back Trump’s agenda.
However, his dissent towards three of Trump’s most controversial nominees is particularly notable. Together, his votes against Hegseth, Gabbard, and RFK Jr. reveal the kind of leader he aspires to be outside the prestigious leadership office. It also illustrates a shift in his influence; with few other Republicans aligning with him, he has found himself isolated, relying on Democrats to challenge Trump’s selections.
“McConnell’s votes on the Trump nominees reflect, at least in part, the fact that he is more free to vote in accord with personal preferences than he was when he was responsible for serving as the leader and voice for Senate Republicans,” noted Frances Lee, a professor of politics and public affairs at Princeton.
Only two other Republicans, independent-minded Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, joined him in voting against Hegseth.
“Now that he is no longer in leadership, Sen. McConnell enjoys more freedom to simply exercise his own individual judgment and personal discretion,” Lee remarked.
Trump reacted strongly after the latest votes, labeling McConnell as “bitter” and “not equipped mentally” during an extended tirade in the Oval Office following Kennedy’s swearing-in.
“I feel sorry for Mitch,” the Republican president expressed.
“He votes against almost everything now. He’s a very bitter guy,” Trump said of McConnell, who had been a key ally during Trump’s initial term as Senate majority leader.
The duo passed shared legislative goals, notably the 2017 GOP tax bill, though they also clashed; Trump dubbed McConnell “Old Crow,” which McConnell embraced as a badge of honor. Their relationship further strained following the 2020 election, which Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden. McConnell described Trump as “morally responsible” for the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection carried out by his supporters at the Capitol but later endorsed Trump’s reelection campaign.
Trump did not seem to recognize McConnell’s childhood polio as he discussed Kennedy’s nomination.
“He’s lost his power,” Trump stated. “It’s one of those things.”
Upon announcing his departure from GOP leadership, McConnell conveyed his commitment to complete his Senate term, which concludes after the 2026 election, though it remains uncertain if he will seek re-election.
Nonetheless, McConnell is far from sidelined. He holds significant roles as chair of the crucial Rules Committee and as chair of the Appropriation Committee’s subcommittee on defense, where he has indicated intentions to fortify the nation’s military capabilities and assert U.S. leadership globally.
“I expect to support most of what this administration is trying to accomplish,” McConnell stated in a recent CBS “60 Minutes” interview.
The senator continues to deal with the lasting impact of polio, especially in his left leg. He has experienced two falls recently, once on the steps leading from the Senate chamber, swiftly assisted by two GOP colleagues, and shortly thereafter in the private GOP lunchroom. He occasionally uses a wheelchair, as he did this week, for safety reasons.
Other senators are observing these developments closely.
“He seems to be liberated, and I think he’s voting his conscience,” remarked Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat.
Blumenthal noted that while other Republicans are “trembling in fear” of primary threats if they don’t align with Trump’s agenda, particularly from billionaire Trump aide Elon Musk’s political group, McConnell is not one of them.
“Whatever his motivation, he is certainly demonstrating that courage and conscience still matter,” he added.
New Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, remarked, “The great part about being a senator is that you get to decide what’s important to you, what your priorities are, and he should represent the people who elected him.”
McConnell’s critics have also taken note of his actions. Nate Morris, a businessman in Kentucky, announced this week he is considering a Senate run in 2026.
“I believe President Trump needs fewer weak, career politicians running for office and more outsiders who are willing to advocate for his America First agenda,” Morris posted on social media.
Morris highlighted McConnell’s opposition to Hegseth, claiming that McConnell “turned his back on President Trump.”
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Associated Press writers Matt Brown and Darlene Superville in Washington and Bruce Schreiner in Louisville, Ky., contributed to this story.
