The Price of Power: How Mitch McConnell Enabled Trump’s Rise

By Michael Kelman Portney

As excerpts from a new biography reveal Mitch McConnell’s stark critique of Donald Trump, it’s tempting to see him as a voice of reason amid the chaos of Trumpism. However, let’s not rewrite history just yet. McConnell may now be lamenting the state of his party, but his own decisions—or lack thereof—played a pivotal role in enabling Trump’s ascent and solidifying his grip on the Republican Party.

Missed Opportunity: Impeachment

In the wake of the January 6 Capitol attack, McConnell condemned Trump’s actions, stating unequivocally that the former president was "practically and morally responsible." Yet when it came time to act, McConnell refused to vote for Trump’s conviction in the Senate impeachment trial. Why? According to McConnell, Trump was "already out of office," rendering the trial moot—a procedural cop-out that ignored the moment’s gravity.

This was McConnell’s golden opportunity to sever Trump’s hold over the GOP and pave the way for the party to reclaim its traditional values. By not supporting impeachment, McConnell effectively left the door wide open for Trump’s return, which culminated in his re-election campaign and the controversial cabinet choices now shaping the nation. This inaction not only emboldened Trump but also set a precedent for future leaders who may choose to prioritize party loyalty over accountability, potentially undermining the rule of law.

Shaping the GOP’s Trumpian Identity

McConnell’s tenure as Senate Majority Leader was marked by a willingness to prioritize power over principle. He welcomed Trump’s presidency with open arms, pushing through tax cuts, deregulation, and judicial appointments at breakneck speed. While McConnell may not have personally aligned with Trump’s erratic behavior, he leveraged Trump’s popularity with the GOP base to achieve his legislative goals.

This transactional relationship came at a cost. McConnell’s refusal to challenge Trump’s rhetoric, divisive policies, or baseless election fraud claims allowed Trumpism to define the Republican Party. By the time McConnell decided to speak out, it was too late—the GOP had already been transformed into a populist movement centered around one man. The ideological shift away from traditional conservatism toward a more reactionary and tribal politics has left many moderate Republicans feeling alienated and disillusioned.

A Legacy of Complicity

The biography’s revelation that McConnell privately criticized Trump as "not very smart, irascible, and nasty" underscores the contradiction at the heart of McConnell’s leadership. Publicly, he upheld Trump’s agenda; privately, he harbored disdain for the man behind it. This duplicity is emblematic of McConnell’s political strategy: prioritize short-term wins while ignoring the long-term consequences.

Even McConnell’s lament about the MAGA movement’s departure from traditional Republican values rings hollow. McConnell himself oversaw this shift, enabling policies and tactics that alienated moderate conservatives and redefined the GOP around Trump’s brand of grievance politics. His failure to stand up against the party's transformation illustrates a broader trend within the GOP: an increasing willingness to sacrifice foundational principles for immediate political gains.

The Fallout: Trump’s 2024 Comeback

Now, as Trump prepares for his second term, McConnell’s missed opportunities loom larger than ever. A conviction in Trump’s impeachment trial could have barred him from holding office again. Instead, McConnell’s inaction has left the nation grappling with the consequences of Trump’s enduring influence.

Trump’s 2024 cabinet, filled with controversial figures and policy positions, represents the culmination of McConnell’s choices. The same leader who once championed free trade and immigration reform now finds himself lamenting a party unrecognizable from its Reagan-era roots. But make no mistake: this transformation didn’t happen despite McConnell—it happened because of him. The rise of a Trump-centric GOP has not only reshaped the party’s identity but also its electoral strategies, often prioritizing loyalty over competence.

Conclusion: A Reckoning for McConnell’s Leadership

Mitch McConnell may spend his final days in office reflecting on the state of the GOP, but history will remember him as one of Trump’s enablers. By prioritizing political expediency over principle, McConnell paved the way for Trump’s rise and cemented his legacy as the architect of a fractured Republican Party.

The Republican establishment is now left with a choice: follow McConnell’s path of calculated inaction or confront the Trumpian juggernaut head-on. As the nation braces for Trump’s return to power, one thing is clear: McConnell’s "price of power" has been paid in full. The question remains whether the GOP can reclaim its identity and values or if it will continue on a path dictated by a singular figure whose influence has dramatically reshaped American politics.

Suggestions for Further Expansion:

Personal Reflections: Consider including quotes or testimonials from GOP members who have spoken out against Trump or who feel alienated from the current party direction. This could provide a personal dimension to the analysis.

Historical Context: A brief look at the Republican Party's evolution over the last few decades could help readers understand how McConnell's actions fit into a larger narrative of political change.

Future Implications: Discuss what the future might hold for the Republican Party if it continues down this path versus if it seeks to redefine itself independent of Trump’s influence.