Hegseth Throws Down With McConnell in WILD Hearing

But McConnell said that approach is shaky given that the GOP could lose its majority in the November elections

McConnell has been a major advocate for the $400 million Congress set aside for Ukraine at the start of the year, calling out the Pentagon for withholding the funds in an April 28 editorial.

“I want to underscore this is not charity. When our partners are capable, deterrence is stronger, and the risk to our own service members is lower,” McConnell said Tuesday.

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McConnell also slammed President Trump for alienating longstanding U.S. friends, including for NATO and protecting Ukraine

McConnell, a Republican who has represented Kentucky in the U.S. Senate since 1985, announced earlier this year that he won’t seek reelection in 2026 after more than 40 years in office, creating the first open Senate seat in the state in years.

Rep. Andy Barr, former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris are facing off in the Republican primary, which is among this year’s most competitive.

The debate offered voters an opportunity to hear the candidates discuss their positions on key issues and outline their priorities as the Republican primary campaign ramps up.