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