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 is a prominent American politician and retired attorney, currently serving as the senior United States senator from Kentucky since 1985, making him the longest-serving senator in the state's history. He held the position of Senate Republican Conference leader from 2007 to 2025, with periods as both minority and majority leader. Notably, he holds the record as the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, specifically from 2015 to 2021 when he was the majority leader.
October 2010: Goal to Make Obama a One-Term President
In October 2010, McConnell stated that "the single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president."
2010: Congress Banned Earmarks
In 2010, Congress banned the practice of earmarks, which McConnell regularly obtained for businesses and institutions in Kentucky.
2010: Citizens United v. FEC Decision
In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court issued the Citizens United v. FEC decision, partially overturning the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. This decision followed McConnell's opposition to stricter campaign finance laws.
2011: Debt-Ceiling Crisis
In 2011, the Republican caucus threatened repeatedly to force the United States to default on its debt, with McConnell saying he had learned that "it's a hostage that's worth ransoming".
May 2016: Disagreed with Trump's Comments on Judge Curiel
In May 2016, McConnell disagreed with Trump's suggestion that federal judge Gonzalo P. Curiel was biased against Trump because of his Mexican heritage.
July 2016: Criticized Trump's Comments on Khan's Parents
In July 2016, McConnell criticized Trump's comments on the parents of Humayun Khan, a Muslim-American soldier who was killed in Iraq.
October 7, 2016: Called for Trump to Apologize for Access Hollywood Comments
On October 7, 2016, McConnell called for Trump to apologize directly to women and girls everywhere for his comments on the Access Hollywood tape.
2017: Failure to Repeal Obamacare
In 2017, Republicans failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) despite consolidated Republican control of government, dimming McConnell's reputation as a skilled political strategist.
September 2018: Christine Blasey Ford Allegations Against Kavanaugh
In September 2018, Christine Blasey Ford publicly alleged that Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her in 1982.
August 2019: Opposed Filibuster Elimination
In August 2019, McConnell wrote an editorial for The New York Times strongly opposing the elimination of the filibuster on legislation.
November 5, 2019: McConnell comments on Trump Impeachment
On November 5, 2019, as the House began public hearings on President Trump's impeachment, McConnell expressed certainty about the trial's outcome, stating that, if it were held that day, Trump would not be removed from office.
December 14, 2019: McConnell Plans Trump Impeachment Strategy
On December 14, 2019, McConnell met with White House counsel Pat Cipollone and White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland. Later that day, he announced he would coordinate Trump's impeachment trial strategy with the White House and asserted there was "no chance" of the Senate convicting and removing Trump.
December 17, 2019: McConnell Rejects Witnesses for Trump's Impeachment Trial
On December 17, 2019, McConnell rejected calls to call witnesses for Trump's impeachment trial, arguing the Senate's role was to judge, not investigate. He admitted to the media he was not an impartial juror and considered the trial a political process.
April 22, 2020: McConnell suggests states declare bankruptcy instead of receiving COVID-19 aid
Speaking on the Hugh Hewitt radio show on April 22, 2020, McConnell suggested that states should be able to declare bankruptcy instead of receiving additional COVID-19 aid funds. His comments were sharply criticized.
2020: Criticized Trump's Attempts to Overturn Election
In 2020, Mitch McConnell criticized Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
2020: McConnell refuses to recognize Biden's victory in 2020
In 2020, after Joe Biden defeated Trump in the election, McConnell initially refused to recognize Biden as the winner. While not repeating Trump's false voter fraud claims, McConnell avoided contradicting them, arguing Trump's right to challenge results, while celebrating Republican Senate and House wins.
January 12, 2021: McConnell reportedly supports impeaching Trump
On January 12, 2021, it was reported that McConnell supported impeaching Trump for inciting the January 6th Capitol attack, hoping it would help Republicans distance themselves from Trump.
February 13, 2021: McConnell Votes to Acquit Trump
On February 13, 2021, despite earlier reports suggesting he was open to impeachment, McConnell voted to acquit Trump, arguing it was unconstitutional to convict a former president.
April 10, 2021: Trump attacks McConnell
On April 10, 2021, Trump publicly called McConnell a "dumb son of a bitch" and questioned McConnell's gratitude for Trump having hired his wife. McConnell did not publicly respond to Trump's personal attacks.
May 28, 2021: McConnell votes against January 6th commission
On May 28, 2021, McConnell voted against the creation of an independent commission to investigate the January 6th United States Capitol attack, after seeking to organize Republican senators to filibuster it.
