Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) questioned the logic of Donald Trump’s tariffs on allies, stating that the measures will raise prices for American consumers.
“It will drive the cost of everything up. In other words, it will be paid for by American consumers. I mean, why would you want to get in a fight with your allies over this?” McConnell told CBS News’ Lesley Stahl in a “60 Minutes” interview that aired on Sunday.
President Trump on Saturday announced a decision to impose tariffs of 25% on Mexico and Canada after threatening to do so during his campaign. He also announced duties of 10% on imports from China. Experts predict that the move could increase prices in a range of products for American consumers, and Canada and Mexico have ordered retaliatory tariffs.
When asked about his relationship with Trump, McConnell told Stahl, “We haven’t spoken for quite a while. I was very upset about what happened January 6.”
He also called Trump’s decision to pardon hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters was a “mistake,” and described the events of Jan. 6, 2021, as an “insurrection.”
He indicated, however, that he still expects to support “most of what [Trump’s] administration is trying to accomplish.”
“What happened in the past is irrelevant to me,” he told CBS.
McConnell voted against impeaching Trump for fomenting the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol after saying the president was responsible.
Viewers of the “60 Minutes” excerpt criticized the former Senate leader on social media. Some blamed him for Trump’s return to power and criticized his lukewarm opposition to the president.
“Worth noting that McConnell refusing to whip votes to convict Trump at his impeachment trial (or vote himself to convict) is *why* we’re now in a position where we’re in a trade war with our allies. If McConnell is looking for the person at fault, he might want to consult a mirror,” MSNBC contributor Brian Tyler Cohen wrote on X.
Go Ad-Free — And Protect The Free Press
The next four years will change America forever. But HuffPost won’t back down when it comes to providing free and impartial journalism.
For the first time, we’re offering an ad-free experience to qualifying contributors who support our fearless newsroom. We hope you’ll join us.
You’ve supported HuffPost before, and we’ll be honest — we could use your help again. We won’t back down from our mission of providing free, fair news during this critical moment. But we can’t do it without you.
For the first time, we’re offering an ad-free experience. to qualifying contributors who support our fearless journalism. We hope you’ll join us.
You’ve supported HuffPost before, and we’ll be honest — we could use your help again. We won’t back down from our mission of providing free, fair news during this critical moment. But we can’t do it without you.
For the first time, we’re offering an ad-free experience. to qualifying contributors who support our fearless journalism. We hope you’ll join us.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
McConnell, who is not seeking reelection after recently stepping back from his GOP leadership position, has been openly critical of Trump since the president’s election victory on several occasions — despite having endorsed him in the race.
“We’re in a very, very dangerous world right now, reminiscent of before World War II,” McConnell told the Financial Times in December. “Even the slogan is the same, ‘America First.’ That was what they said in the ’30s.”
The former Senate leader was one of three Republicans who voted against the confirmation of Trump’s defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, last month.