America News Agency

McConnell, 83, was the longest-serving party leader in Senate history but stepped down from Republican leadership due to health issues.

Although he supported much of Donald Trump’s agenda during his first term, McConnell became one of his harsher critics towards the end of his tenure.

“I have some unfinished business,” he said in his Senate speech, announcing that “this term in the Senate will be my last.”

McConnell urged other senators to exercise their constitutional powers as Trump sought to significantly expand presidential authority.

He voted against appointing Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, Tulsi Gabbard as national intelligence director, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary.

Following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, McConnell distanced himself from Trump.

In a speech after the attack, he stated: "There is no doubt that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for the events of that day."

However, he did not vote to convict Trump in the impeachment trial.