Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is urging President-elect Donald Trump to disregard the isolationist tendencies within the GOP and to shape his foreign policy around a foundation of military strength. McConnell warns that if the United States withdraws from global involvement, adversaries will be eager to exploit the resulting power vacuum.
In an essay featured in Foreign Affairs on Monday, McConnell addressed Trump directly as he prepares to step down from his leadership role shortly. Although he will remain in the Senate, McConnell has expressed his intention to prioritize the enhancement of U.S. global influence.
“The moment to restore American hard power is now,” McConnell stated, emphasizing that military readiness must take precedence over what he described as “hollow internationalism” from the left and the right-wing inclination towards isolationism and decline.
McConnell has consistently resisted the rising isolationist faction in his party, making a vigorous and ultimately successful effort this year to secure aid for Ukraine, despite significant opposition from some congressional Republicans. This essay represents his most pointed advice to Trump and his inner circle, which includes Vice President-elect JD Vance, who has been a vocal critic of aid to Ukraine.
Trump has been outspoken about his disdain for “forever wars,” expressing support for Russian President Vladimir Putin during his previous term. Throughout his campaign, he signaled intentions to swiftly conclude the conflict in Ukraine, urging Putin to establish an immediate ceasefire with the country.
Furthermore, Trump has indicated a willingness to reduce military assistance to Ukraine and reconsider U.S. participation in NATO.
In his essay, McConnell acknowledged that Trump “deserves credit” for lifting some of the restrictions on aid to Ukraine that were in place during the Obama administration and for approving the transfer of lethal weapons to Kyiv. However, McConnell notes that Trump has sometimes weakened these firm policies through his actions and statements, especially regarding his ties with Putin.
“He courted Putin, he treated allies erratically and often with hostility, and in 2019 he withheld $400 million in security assistance to Ukraine,” McConnell observed. “Such occurrences raised concerns about America’s commitment to countering Russian aggression, even amidst actual military support.”
To fortify U.S. national security, McConnell urged Trump to “commit to a significant and sustained increase in defense spending,” alongside bolstering investments in the defense sector and acquiring new military capabilities.
McConnell’s essay arrives after a long and intricate relationship with Trump, often aligning with him when beneficial while simultaneously critiquing him privately and occasionally in public. After the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, McConnell refrained from speaking to Trump for over three years but later endorsed him once it became apparent he would be the presumptive nominee for the GOP.
As McConnell steps back from leadership, speculation arises about how he will navigate his new role as a standard member of the Senate. Questions linger about whether he will challenge Trump’s nominees or publicly oppose him now that he has shed leadership duties.
Regardless of how the dynamics unfold, McConnell is determined to secure his legacy by guiding the party to uphold America’s position as a preeminent global leader. He warned that Trump might hear suggestions to focus solely on a single area, potentially neglecting U.S. interests in Europe and the Middle East in favor of prioritizing Asia. However, he cautioned, “If the United States continues to retreat, its enemies will be more than willing to fill the void.”
McConnell asserted, “A Russian victory would not only undermine U.S. interests in European security but would also escalate threats from nations like China, Iran, and North Korea.”