Donald Trump’s second presidency marks what Mitch McConnell describes as the most dangerous period since World War II. McConnell, the veteran Republican and former Senate leader, highlighted concerning parallels to the 1930s in a recent interview.
McConnell focused mainly on tariffs and foreign policy during the interview with the Lexington Herald-Leader, as he prepares for his final year in the Senate. He sharply criticized the Trump administration’s trade tariffs, comparing them to isolationist policies that worsened the global depression in the 1930s.
He warned that these policies resemble those of the 1930s, a time when US reluctance to engage internationally helped fuel global conflict. McConnell said, “There’s certain similarities right now to the 30s,” citing the Smoot-Hawley tariff bill as a historic example.
McConnell pointed out that countries like North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran, though very different, share a common hostility toward the US. These autocratic states pose a significant threat during Trump’s current administration.
Mitch McConnell addresses a Senate hearing on the White House’s proposed government spending cuts, 25 June 2025. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.
He also expressed concern about the weakening US preparedness to face these global challenges. McConnell implied that America has not been ready enough, especially in handling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which continues into its fourth year.
McConnell mentioned the importance of avoiding a post-war outcome where Russia is seen as the winner and America the loser, which would have severe global effects. Financially, he sees benefits in the US’s $130 billion support for Ukraine’s defense and humanitarian aid.
He noted that about half this aid was spent domestically, helping to modernize industrial bases across 38 states, including Kentucky. Despite Trump’s wavering stance on the issue, McConnell defended the assistance as beneficial.
McConnell did not discuss Trump’s moves toward authoritarianism or his own role in empowering Trump through Senate actions. He previously blocked Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, but quickly approved Trump’s pick, shaping the conservative court majority.
Trump has publicly insulted McConnell, but the former Senate leader chose not to respond to these attacks in the interview. Instead, he quoted Ronald Reagan’s “11th commandment” about not speaking ill of fellow Republicans.
Facing rumors of unpopularity in his home state, McConnell pointed to his record of electoral successes and leadership victories within the Senate Republican conference. He expressed frustration at criticisms, saying leadership roles involve constant opposition.
When asked about his legacy, McConnell highlighted the 2004 Kentucky tobacco buyout program and his influence on the federal courts. He refrained from judging the overall impact of the Trump era, saying more time is needed.
Still, McConnell hopes people will say he had a positive impact on the country. As he retires, his reflections capture a complex view of current US politics and international risks under Trump’s second term, according to theguardian
1 comment
What in the ever loving fuck do you mean “if Trump wins again”? McConnell didn’t say anything of the sort in the linked interview in your own article.
This is what I’m talking about when I say “the media is complicit”. It’s not just right-wing media. This is an article critical of Trump from a left-of-center outlet, and it’s literally making up a headline that normalizes the blatantly unconstitutional idea of Trump running for a third Presidential term.