The senator also lamented the fact that roughly half of Republican voters now align with Trump’s views, moving away from the party’s long-held priorities such as free trade and comprehensive immigration reform. “Unfortunately, about half of the Republicans in the country believe whatever he says,” he added.
Recalling the fallout from the 2020 election, McConnell characterized Trump as erratic and questioned his intelligence and temperament. “He’s not very smart, irascible, nasty—essentially embodying every trait one wouldn’t want in a leader,” McConnell stated bluntly.
Moreover, the biography titled The Price of Power: How Mitch McConnell Mastered the Senate, Changed America, and Lost His Party reveals an emotional side of the veteran senator. McConnell was reportedly moved to tears when addressing his staff following the Capitol attack on January 6, expressing deep sorrow for the ordeal they endured by saying, “You are my family, and I hate the fact that you had to go through this.”
As McConnell prepares to step down, his unvarnished reflections paint a critical picture of a Republican Party in turmoil, grappling with its identity as Trump’s long-lasting influence continues to dominate its course.