In a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California on Saturday, outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell indirectly criticized the direction of Donald Trump’s return to politics.
Without mentioning Trump by name, McConnell spoke about America’s role in global leadership, stating, “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.” This remark was met with a standing ovation.
McConnell’s comments seem to signal potential opposition to the incoming administration on national security issues, particularly as he steps down from leadership.
His speech came amid controversy surrounding Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, who is facing challenges in securing support from Republican senators, including McConnell, due to allegations against him.
