He’s pointing his finger at Trump.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed satisfaction with the forthcoming passage of $60 billion in U.S. aid to Ukraine but voiced frustration over the lengthy process of garnering Republican support for it.
During a press briefing, McConnell attributed the delay to two figures: former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson and former President Donald Trump. He criticized Carlson for what he perceived as the demonization of Ukraine, suggesting that his extensive audience influenced many Republicans to question the aid. McConnell also suggested that Trump’s ambivalence toward Ukraine aid and his desire to add border security provisions complicated the matter, along with reluctance from some party members to engage with Democrats on the issue.
Despite facing opposition from conservative quarters, McConnell remained steadfast in his support for Ukraine aid, viewing its expected passage as a significant moment for both the United States and freedom-loving nations globally.
The Senate’s overwhelming 80-19 vote to advance the legislation signals, according to McConnell, a return to the Republican Party’s roots of defending democracy internationally, reminiscent of the Reagan era.
McConnell reiterated his commitment to reclaiming a Republican majority in the Senate, expressing confidence in the party’s candidates and noting a shift away from isolationist tendencies. He highlighted ongoing global challenges such as those posed by China, Russia, and Iran, emphasizing the importance of addressing them collectively.
Acknowledging the delay in providing aid to Ukraine, McConnell attributed part of the responsibility to both the Biden administration’s tardiness in recognizing the urgency and Congress’s failure to act swiftly.
In discussing House Speaker Mike Johnson’s evolution from a skeptic to a staunch supporter of Ukraine aid, McConnell defended him against criticism, citing Trump’s endorsement of Johnson. He underscored the significance of Trump’s approval, indicating a favorable trajectory for the GOP’s Senate nominees in the upcoming elections.
McConnell concluded on an optimistic note, expressing confidence in the GOP’s prospects for securing a Senate majority and his aspiration to pass the leadership baton to a Republican successor.
