In a speech delivered at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California on Saturday, outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) subtly expressed his dissatisfaction with the direction of the Republican Party under President-elect Donald Trump, without directly mentioning his name.
According to Politico, McConnell’s comments on America’s military future seemed pointed, especially as he discussed the current trajectory of the party and global leadership. McConnell remarked, “Within the party Ronald Reagan once led so capably, it is increasingly fashionable to suggest that the sort of global leadership he modeled is no longer America’s place.”
He continued, “But let’s be absolutely clear: America will not be made great again by those who are content to manage our decline,” which prompted an enthusiastic ovation from the audience. While McConnell did not directly address Trump, Politico’s Connor O’Brien and Joe Gould noted that his speech highlighted potential future tensions between McConnell and the incoming administration, particularly on national security matters.
The senior Republican’s remarks suggested he could act as a counterpoint to Trump on military and defense issues when he steps down from his leadership role next year. McConnell’s speech comes at a time when Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense.
Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, is struggling to win over key Republican senators, including McConnell. Hegseth faces significant challenges, including allegations of public drunkenness and accusations of sexual assault, making his confirmation process uncertain.