Senator Mitch McConnell told a group that gathered in his state in Kentucky that he hoped the success of President Donald Trump with his tariff policy, but “not sure” that he was pursuing the right approach.
“Put me because I am not sure that this is the best way to go but we will see. Maybe it will change as the President wants to change, but it is going on when we speak,” McConnell said.
McConnell talked about the Rotary club meeting at the community center in Glasgow, Kentucky. Unlike some new city halls, where Republicans sometimes face difficult questions from hoarse crowds, this is a group that mostly seem to be excited about McConnell’s messages.
He was accepted by the group with applause and spoke without interruption for about 20 minutes. He received a festive applause when completing his remarks, and did not receive questions from the audience. Nothing is shouting anything.
Senator Mitch McConnell spoke at an event at Glasgow-Barren County Rotary Club in Glasgow, KY., On April 17, 2025.
Pool via abc news
As long as Gaggles with reporters followed his remarks, McConnell avoided when asked by ABC News’ Jay O’Brien whether he believed Americans were behind Trump at tariffs.
“Well, we will find out, this is the ongoing story,” McConnell said. “This is a ongoing story and, in the end, the voters will decide whether it is a good idea or not. I withdraw the president to be successful. What I can say to you is my own view, for several years, not only lately is that this is not the best way.”
He underlined that the tariff historically was not good for his home country.
“I hope the president is true, but in the past, Kentucky did not benefit from the tariff problem,” he said.
Asked whether he was worried about the way Trump’s administration reacted to the court’s decision, especially the Supreme Court’s decision on the Kilmar Abrego Garcia deportee case, McConnell said, “Courts are like referees who call this ball and strike. Clearly, a number of things done by all people in this court, and abroad, we do things that will be done by these people this country.
He said he was sure Trump had a strong legal footing on the tariff, but he did a hedge for other problems.
“We will find out about a number of other efforts that are being carried out by administration. I don’t know how many cases are currently in court but there are some,” McConnell said.
In his remarks, McConnell noted that during his long political career, he had never been a fan of certain tariffs, and recorded examples of history of how the tariff policy failed.
“I have never been a fan of tariffs. And after 40 years in the senate, I will not change my view of it. And as you know, administration has a different approach. Let me tell you that I hope it works,” McConnell said, before describing some historical examples to underline the opposition.
McConnell, who throughout his career crashed into his head with Trump, said today he supports him.
“I want you to know I want the president to be successful. I have a lot to do with his success in his first term of office,” McConnell said.
Even so, McConnell has been, since resigning from his position for 18 years who led the Republican Senate Conference, established himself as one of the few Republican senates who sometimes challenged President Donald Trump.
He has voted in some of the most controversial Trump cabinet candidates, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
He announced his intention to retire from the Senate at the end of his term of office in 2026.
He underlined his contribution in Trump’s first term of office, including his move to remain empty the Supreme Court seat to be filled by Trump and his work on the tax bill, which currently works for the Republic to renew as part of the large -scale reconciliation package.
He also said he was committed, in his last years in the Senate, to “carry out the recording” his term of office. He said he was committed to using his last years in the room to support the US position as a global leader.
While he said he wanted to challenge China, he also stressed the importance of the US alliance.
“It is important to support our friends. Don’t give lectures. We are in the same team. We have to operate together,” McConnell said.