Mourning the dawn of another Trump administration, it’s easy to succumb to despair. Yet, in the realm of political maneuvering, glimmers of hope can emerge from unexpected corners. This Thanksgiving, an unlikely figure warrants a second look: Republican Senator Mitch McConnell.
Yes, the very Mitch McConnell who has meticulously crafted a legacy of conservative victories, often to the detriment of campaign finance regulations and judicial balance. The architect of a Supreme Court tilted to the right, and the Senate leader who shielded Trump from impeachment after the January 6th Capitol riot. This is the man for whom, against the backdrop of a Trump resurgence, a sliver of gratitude might be warranted.
It is precisely McConnell’s history of enabling Trump that casts a long shadow over the present. Had the Senate, under his leadership, convicted Trump in 2021, a subsequent vote to bar him from future office might have altered the political landscape entirely.
Now, as Trump 2.0 looms, McConnell, at 82 and the Senate’s longest-serving party leader, steps down from his leadership role. He relinquishes the reins to Senator John Thune, becoming a rank-and-file member within the Republican majority. This demotion, coinciding with Trump’s ascent, feels like a fitting consequence. The animosity between McConnell and Trump since January 6th is palpable, a stark contrast to their past collaborations.
Despite relinquishing formal leadership, McConnell remains a seasoned political operator. He is acutely aware of the shifting power dynamics in Washington. Far from fading into the background, McConnell signals a determination to leverage his influence. He embraces Trump’s “Old Crow” moniker, even branding bourbon bottles with the nickname – a wry acknowledgment and subtle defiance.
McConnell’s Potential Role as a Republican Check on Trump
Though physically aged, McConnell hints at a resurgence, positioning himself as a leader of a Republican resistance within the Senate. This stance could provide political cover for other Republicans wary of Trump’s excesses. Trump’s initial Cabinet choices and his demand for Senate rubber-stamp confirmations have already drawn McConnell’s public rebuke. His swift “No way” to Trump’s overreach suggests a willingness to push back.
Should Trump pursue his threat to illegally impound funds approved by Congress, McConnell is likely to voice strong opposition and potentially support legal challenges. Crucially, as chair of the defense spending subcommittee, McConnell is expected to champion continued U.S. global leadership, particularly regarding Ukraine and NATO. This directly clashes with Trump’s “America First” doctrine and his admiration for autocratic leaders. McConnell’s sharp critique, dismissing opposition to Ukraine as “nonsense,” underscores this divergence.
It’s essential to maintain a realistic perspective. McConnell’s resistance will likely be selective. He will likely align with Trump on issues like tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, deregulation of fossil fuels, and the appointment of conservative judges.
Strategic Opposition: Playing the Long Game
However, the political adage “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” comes to mind. Despite his own history of bending rules, McConnell is likely to uphold institutional and constitutional boundaries that Trump readily disregards. In a closely divided Senate (53-47 Republican majority), Trump can only afford to lose a few Republican votes. Even a small group of Republicans occasionally dissenting could dilute the impact of Trump’s political retaliation.
Consider presidential nominations. Steve Bannon, a prominent figure in the MAGA movement, attributed the derailment of Matt Gaetz’s potential Attorney General nomination to McConnell’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering. McConnell publicly countered Trump’s suggestion of circumventing Senate confirmation through recess appointments, emphasizing the Senate’s constitutional role in vetting nominees.
McConnell could be instrumental in blocking some of Trump’s more controversial appointments, such as Tulsi Gabbard, Pete Hegseth, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for key positions. McConnell’s personal history as a polio survivor makes Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine stance particularly objectionable. Similarly, Gabbard and Hegseth’s alignment with Trump’s skepticism towards Ukraine and NATO likely clashes with McConnell’s foreign policy views.
Freed from the constraints of party leadership, McConnell is positioned to act based on his own convictions. With no reelection looming in 2026, he has less political vulnerability. While unpopular with the broader public, he commands respect within the Senate Republican ranks. His future influence may mirror that of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi – a powerful voice even after stepping down from leadership. Senator Lindsey Graham’s prediction that “When he speaks, people will listen” underscores this potential.
Conclusion: An Unlikely Source of Restraint?
While not a cause for unbridled celebration, Mitch McConnell’s evolving relationship with Donald Trump presents a compelling dynamic. His motivations may be rooted in institutionalism, personal pique, or strategic political maneuvering. Regardless, his actions could offer a degree of restraint on a second Trump presidency. In the unfolding political drama, McConnell, the “Old Crow,” might just become an unexpected, albeit imperfect, check on executive power. It’s time to grab the popcorn and watch.
