Is Mitch McConnell running out of power?

Donald Trump and border politics may upend the GOP leader's leadership

Mitch McConnell with the silhouette of a crown falling from his head
McConnell "is being forced to reckon with former President Donald Trump's hold on the GOP"
(Image credit: Illustration by Stephen Kelly / Getty Images)

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) might be the most powerful and consequential Senate leader in memory, Republican or Democrat. The Kentucky Republican gave conservatives a supermajority on the Supreme Court. He saved Donald Trump from two impeachments. And he's held the post longer than anybody else.

But it sure looks like his power over Senate Republicans is faltering.

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Joel Mathis, The Week US

Joel Mathis is a writer with 30 years of newspaper and online journalism experience. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic and The Kansas City Star. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.