Major Controversies Surrounding Mitch McConnell: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Mitch McConnell.

Addison Mitchell McConnell III, a prominent American politician and attorney, has served as a U.S. Senator from Kentucky since 1985, making him the longest-serving senator in the state's history. A significant figure in the Republican Party, McConnell served as the leader of the Senate Republican Conference from 2007 to 2025, holding positions as both minority and majority leader. Notably, his tenure as Senate party leader from 2015 to 2021 marks him as the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, underscoring his lasting impact on American politics.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

February 12, 1999: Vote on Bill Clinton Impeachment

On February 12, 1999, Mitch McConnell was one of 50 senators to vote to convict and remove Bill Clinton from office.

October 2010: Goal to Make Obama a One-Term President

In October 2010, Mitch McConnell stated that "the single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president."

2010: Citizens United v. FEC Decision

In 2010, Mitch McConnell led opposition to stricter campaign finance laws, culminating in the U.S. Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. FEC, which partially overturned the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (McCain-Feingold).

2010: Earmark Ban

In 2010, Mitch McConnell regularly obtained earmarks for businesses and institutions in Kentucky until Congress banned the practice.

2011: Debt-Ceiling Crisis

In 2011, Mitch McConnell stated he had learned from the debt-ceiling crisis that "it's a hostage that's worth ransoming".

2013: Filibuster Eliminated for Presidential Nominations

In 2013, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid eliminated the filibuster for all presidential nominations except the Supreme Court.

April 2017: Filibuster Eliminated for Supreme Court Nominations

In April 2017, Senate Republicans led by Mitch McConnell eliminated the filibuster for Supreme Court nominations.

2017: Failure to Repeal Obamacare

In 2017, Republicans failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) despite having consolidated Republican control of government, dimming Mitch McConnell's reputation as a skilled political strategist.

August 2019: Opposition to Eliminating the Filibuster

In August 2019, Mitch McConnell wrote an editorial for The New York Times strongly opposing the elimination of the filibuster on legislation.

2020: Criticism of Trump's Election Overturn Attempts

In 2020, Mitch McConnell criticized Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, despite voting to acquit in Trump's second impeachment trial.