Donald Trump may not appreciate the gesture, but the Wall Street Journal editorial board encouraged the president to toss one of his harshest critics a note of gratitude.
In a Friday editorial, the Journal argued that Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) forceful defense of presidential war powers during a vote rebuking Trump over U.S. actions in Venezuela deserves the MAGA leader’s praise. The Senate voted 52-47 to advance a war powers resolution limiting Trump’s authority – a move the Journal’s conservative editorial board said Trump didn’t take well.
According to the Journal, the most consequential speech of the day came from McConnell, a frequent target of Trump’s ire. While acknowledging doubts about the constitutionality of the War Powers Act itself, McConnell argued Trump had met – and exceeded – its requirements.
“Notification of Congress within 48 [hours]? Check. Withdrawal within 60 days? Try 60 minutes!” McConnell said, referring to the limited time of U.S. activity in Caracas. The former Republican Majority Leader went on to cite past presidential actions under Democratic administrations.
“What authority did this operation exceed that President Obama or President Reagan did not exceed in operations in Libya?” McConnell asked on Thursday. “What makes this time different than President Biden’s strikes in Syria or Yemen?”
The speech, according to the Journal’s editorial board, is worthy of Trump’s thanks.
“Assuming the Venezuela war resolution passes the Senate and House, Mr. Trump can still veto and it won’t become law,” the board concluded Friday. “But the President should want to keep the country on his side, and he ought to thank Mr. McConnell for his vote and sound advice.”
Five Republicans joined Democratic lawmakers in voting yes – Josh Hawley (R-MO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Rand Paul (R-KY) Todd Young (R-IN), and Susan Collins (R-ME), who Trump reportedly screamed profanities at in a phone call for her vote.
