McConnell Accuses Trump of What?

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) drew comparisons between today’s political climate and the years leading up to World War II, pointing to tariffs, foreign alliances, and America’s role in global conflicts.

In an interview with the Lexington Herald-Leader, McConnell reflected on his final years in office, saying he wants to use his remaining time to focus on defense and foreign policy. “I think this is the most dangerous period since before World War Two,” McConnell said. “There’s certain similarities right now to the ‘30s.”

He cited the 1930 Smoot-Hawley tariff bill as an example, saying historians widely believe it worsened the Great Depression worldwide. McConnell linked that history to President Trump’s broad tariff measures, which have targeted many U.S. allies. While Trump has argued the tariffs create fairer trade, critics warn they echo past mistakes.

McConnell also compared modern non-interventionist views to those held before the U.S. entered World War II, noting that some groups at the time identified themselves as “America First.” He pointed to growing ties between North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, and Iran’s proxies, warning that these countries “have one thing in common: They hate us.”

His remarks came the same day Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a military parade in Beijing, a rare public show of unity among U.S. adversaries. McConnell said the U.S. is “not prepared like we should be” for this kind of alliance.

He also emphasized the stakes in Ukraine, warning against an outcome where “Russia wins, America loses.” McConnell said such a scenario would carry “huge worldwide implications.” He defended U.S. spending on Ukraine, noting that much of the funding has gone toward modernizing America’s own defense industry.

McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in U.S. history, previously announced he will step down from leadership and retire at the end of his term. He said his focus now is on ensuring the U.S. does not repeat the mistakes of the 1930s.