Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) declined to say whether Americans are better off after Donald Trump’s America First presidency, dodging the question in a new interview while defending foreign policy positions more in line with Joe Biden.
The former Senate Majority Leader, now a backbencher after being forced out under conservative pressure, told the Herald-Leader he was “not sure enough time has passed” to evaluate Trump’s impact.
Instead, McConnell warned of historical parallels to the 1930s and attacked tariffs supported by Trump.
Foreign Policy Divide
McConnell has long clashed with Trump over U.S. involvement abroad.
While Trump has pushed tariffs to protect American workers and questioned endless foreign wars, McConnell remains one of the most vocal advocates of continued U.S. funding for Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
“I think this is the most dangerous period since before World War Two,” McConnell said.
“Herbert Hoover signed the Smoot-Hawley tariff bill in 1930… Those who were totally anxious to stay out of what was going on in Europe were called ‘America First.’ Sound familiar?”
Trump’s Criticism
Trump has accused McConnell of letting his wife’s family’s ties to China influence his work in the Senate, writing in 2022 that McConnell “should spend more time helping [Republicans] get elected, and less time helping his crazy wife and family get rich on China!”
Kentucky Backlash
Kentucky businessman Nate Morris, running to replace McConnell, blasted him and two rivals — Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron — for still standing with the embattled senator.
“Both of my opponents continue to bend the knee to the man they call their ‘mentor’ and refuse to say a word about Mitch McConnell constantly attacking President Trump and his America First foreign policy,” Morris said.
A July Morning Consult poll found McConnell remains the most unpopular senator in America for the 18th consecutive quarter, with 59% of Kentuckians disapproving of his job performance.
