Former President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing response to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) after McConnell cast the sole Republican vote against confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The fiery remarks came during an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, where Trump dismissed McConnell’s leadership and accused him of opposing RFK Jr. as a personal attack against him.
“I feel sorry for Mitch,” Trump said. “He wanted to stay leader, but he’s not equipped mentally. He wasn’t equipped ten years ago, in my opinion. He let the Republican Party go to hell.”
Trump Takes Credit for McConnell’s Departure
Trump didn’t stop there, taking credit for McConnell’s recent decision to step down as Republican leader after nearly two decades in power.
“If I didn’t come along, the Republican Party wouldn’t even exist right now,” Trump said. “Mitch McConnell never really had it. He raised money because of his position, but anybody could do that. Even you,” he told Collins.
Trump also noted McConnell’s endorsement of his 2024 candidacy, suggesting that the senator’s opposition to Kennedy’s nomination was merely a symbolic stand against Trump himself.
Collins Challenges Trump on McConnell’s Health
At one point, Collins attempted to steer the conversation toward McConnell’s health struggles, reminding Trump that the senator had polio as a child and that his son is currently hospitalized. Trump, unimpressed, dismissed the line of questioning.
“I don’t know anything about ‘he had polio,’” he said.
Collins pressed further: “Are you doubting that he had polio?”
Trump, uninterested, brushed it off. “I have no idea if he had polio. All I can tell you is he shouldn’t have been a leader.”
McConnell’s Vote Stands Alone
McConnell was the only Republican senator to vote against RFK Jr., despite widespread GOP support. Ultimately, Kennedy was confirmed in a narrow 52-48 vote.
Kennedy, an independent with a history of challenging the pharmaceutical industry, drew fierce opposition from Senate Democrats, including Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), who clashed with him in committee hearings.
Trump Applauds RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard’s Confirmations
Despite opposition, Trump hailed Kennedy’s confirmation as a major victory.
“Bobby did great. Got more votes than anybody thought. And I think he’s going to do phenomenally, just phenomenally, in that position,” Trump said.
He also praised former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who was confirmed as Director of National Intelligence with overwhelming Republican backing.
Both Kennedy and Gabbard are part of Trump’s unconventional cabinet, which also includes Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense—a nomination that nearly collapsed amid unverified allegations regarding his personal conduct.
With McConnell stepping down as Republican leader and Trump’s cabinet picks securing confirmation, the power dynamics within the GOP appear to be shifting as the 2025 administration takes shape.
