Vice President J.D. Vance criticized Senator Mitch McConnell on Tuesday for opposing a top Trump administration nominee.
McConnell Opposes Trump’s Pick for Defense Post
The Senate confirmed Elbridge Colby as the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy in a 54-45 vote. McConnell was the only Republican to vote against Colby. Several Democrats broke ranks to support the nominee, including Elissa Slotkin (MI), Mark Kelly (AZ), and Jack Reed (RI).
Vance quickly responded on social media.
“Mitch’s vote today is one of the biggest acts of political pettiness I’ve ever seen,” he wrote on X.
Long-Standing Tensions With Trump
McConnell has frequently opposed President Trump’s nominees. He voted against the confirmations of:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
After stepping down as Senate GOP leader, McConnell told colleagues he felt “liberated” and ready to act independently. Vance had to cast the tiebreaking vote for Hegseth’s confirmation due to McConnell’s refusal.
McConnell Defends His Position
McConnell defended his vote against Colby in a public statement.
“This strategy is not innovative,” McConnell said.
“It’s a recycled idea from the Obama era that weakens our position in Europe and the Middle East.”
He argued that prioritizing the Indo-Pacific at the expense of Ukraine and other regions is a strategic mistake.
Years of Conflict With Trump
McConnell’s issues with Trump date back to the first administration. Despite his success in blocking Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, he has clashed repeatedly with Trump.
During the 2021 impeachment trial, McConnell condemned Trump’s role in the January 6 events. He called it a “disgraceful dereliction of duty.” Trump later referred to McConnell as a “sullen, joyless political hack.”
New Bill Adds to the Rift
This week, McConnell joined other Republicans in supporting a bill to limit the president’s power to impose tariffs. The bill would make tariffs expire in 60 days unless Congress approves them.
This move directly challenges Trump’s trade policies.
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