McConnell Condemns Trump’s Tariffs, Decries January 6 Chaos, and Faces Political Reckoning
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Sen. Mitch McConnell voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign allies, warning they would drive up costs for American consumers. Speaking on CBS’s “60 Minutes” in a segment aired Sunday, McConnell criticized the economic strategy but reaffirmed support for the administration’s broader agenda.
“It will drive the cost of everything up. In other words, it will be paid for by American consumers. I mean, why would you want to get in a fight with your allies over this?” McConnell told journalist Lesley Stahl.
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Despite his concerns, McConnell, who stepped down from Senate Republican leadership at the end of 2024, stated he supports most of the administration’s policies as Trump begins his second term. McConnell underscored the importance of American leadership in addressing global threats.
“America First – that was what they used in the ’30s. And I’m hopeful the new administration will understand and act, not with just language that says America First, but funding that underscores the nature of the threat,” he said, pointing to the geopolitical challenges posed by North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran. “When it comes to the democratic world, only one country can lead, that’s us.”
McConnell, 82, also discussed his legacy, the January 6 Capitol riot, and his long-standing disagreements with Trump. “One of my proudest moments was when I looked at Barack Obama in the eye and I said, ‘Mr. President, you will not fill this Supreme Court vacancy,’” McConnell said, referencing his role in shaping the current conservative-leaning Supreme Court.
On the topic of the Capitol riot, McConnell reiterated his dismay over the events of January 6. “I was very upset about what happened January 6,” he said, recalling how his staff barricaded doors to protect themselves from rioters. “And what was it about? To try to prevent the orderly transfer of government, which had never happened in our country.”
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Stahl reminded McConnell of his previous statement calling January 6 “evidence of Donald Trump’s complete unfitness for office.” He responded, “I said, shortly after January 6, that if he were the nominee for president, I would support him.”
McConnell remained noncommittal on how he would vote on the nominations of Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Trump’s cabinet, acknowledging that his vote could be decisive in their approval. He was one of three Republicans who voted against Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and was pressed on RFK Jr., who has claimed the polio vaccine caused more harm than polio itself. McConnell, a polio survivor, defended the importance of vaccines.
“Well, the polio vaccine has been a huge success,” he said. “Vaccines are critically important to health, to having normal lives.”
With his legacy cemented as a powerful Senate leader, McConnell’s remarks reflect both his continued influence and his willingness to challenge Trump’s policies when they conflict with his long-held positions.
