Sen. Mitch McConnell told a gathered group in his home state of Kentucky that he’s hoping for President Donald Trump’s success with his tariff policy, but is “not yet convinced” that he’s pursuing the right approach.
“Put me down as not yet convinced that this is the best way to go but we’ll see. Maybe it will turn out the way that the president would like for it to turn out, but that is unfolding as we speak,” McConnell said.
McConnell addressed a gathering of a Rotary Club in a community center in Glasgow, Kentucky. Unlike some of recent town halls, where Republicans have at times faced tough questions from raucous crowds, this was a group that seemed largely excited about McConnell’s message.
He was received by the group with applause and spoke uninterrupted for about 20 minutes. He received a standing ovation at the completion of his remarks, and took no questions from the audience. No one shouted anything.
Sen. Mitch McConnell speaks at an event at the Glasgow-Barren County Rotary Club in Glasgow, Ky., on April 17, 2025.
Pool via ABC News
During a gaggle with reporters following his remarks, McConnell sidestepped when asked by ABC News’ Jay O’Brien whether he believes the American people are behind Trump on tariffs.
“Well, we’ll find out, it is an unfolding story,” McConnell said. “It’s an unfolding story and, ultimately, the voters will decide was it a good idea or not. I’m pulling for the president to be a success. All I can tell you is my own view, over a number of years, not just lately is that this is not the best way.”
He underscored that tariffs have not historically been good for his home state.
“I hope the president is right, but in the past, Kentucky has not benefited from the tariff issue,” he said.
Asked if he was concerned about the way the Trump administration has reacted to court rulings, especially the Supreme Court’s ruling on deportee Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s case, McConnell said, “The courts are like the umpires calling balls and strikes. Obviously, a number of the things that the administration is doing are in court. And in this country we have the rule of law, it applies to everyone, and I think as these cases unfold, we’ll figure out.”
He said he believes Trump has strong legal footing on tariffs, but he hedged on other issues.
“We’ll find out about a number of the other efforts that are undergoing by the administration. I don’t know how many cases are currently in court but there’s quite a few,” McConnell said.
In his remarks, McConnell noted that during his lengthy political career, he has never been a particular fan of tariffs, and noted historical examples of how tariff policy has failed.
“I’ve never been a tariff enthusiast. And after 40 years in the Senate, I’m not going to change my view of that. And as you know the administration has a different approach. Let me just tell you I hope that it succeeds,” McConnell said, before outlining some of the historical examples to underscore his opposition.
McConnell, who has throughout his career butted heads with Trump, said today he’s rooting for him.
“I want you to know I want the president to be a success. I had a lot to do with his success in his first term,” McConnell said.
Still, McConnell has, since stepping down from his 18-year post leading the Senate Republican conference, established himself as one of few Senate Republicans to at times challenge President Donald Trump.
He has cast votes against some of Trump’s most controversial Cabinet nominees, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
He announced his intention to retire from the Senate at the end of his term in 2026.
He underscored his contributions to Trump’s first term, including his move to keep vacant a Supreme Court seat for Trump to fill and his work on the tax bill, which Republicans are currently working to renew as part of their massive reconciliation package.
He also said he’s committed, in his final years in the Senate, to “running through the tape” of his term. He said he is committed to using his final years in the chamber to shore up the U.S.’s position as a global leader.
While he said he wants to challenge China, he also emphasized the importance of U.S. alliances.
“It is Important to support our friends. Don’t lecture them. We are on the same team. We need to be operating together,” McConnell said.
