Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) gives a thumbs up while arriving to vote on Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination. Photo: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

For the third time in three weeks, former Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) had a scathing explanation after he voted “no” on a Trump nominee.

Why it matters: Freed from his leadership role and with a long history of antagonism between himself and President Trump, McConnell has become one of new Senate GOP leader John Thune’s (R-S.D.) top dissenters.

• “I’m a survivor of childhood polio,” McConnell said of his “no” vote on Thursday for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS secretary.
• “I will not condone the re-litigation of proven cures, and neither will millions of Americans who credit their survival and quality of life to scientific miracles.”

Zoom in: McConnell was the lone Republican to vote against Kennedy and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

• He was joined by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in voting against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. McConnell voted “yes” on the 13 other nominees who have been confirmed.
• McConnell harshly criticized Trump’s use of tariffs in an op-ed published Wednesday, saying they are “bad policy” and will raise prices.

What they’re saying: Trump minced no words about McConnell on Thursday in the Oval Office.

• “Well, I feel sorry for Mitch,” Trump said, claiming that McConnell “wanted to stay leader.”
• Trump accused McConnell of not being “equipped mentally” and letting “the Republican Party go to hell.”

Between the lines: McConnell, 82, is up for reelection in 2026. He has not announced whether he intends to run.

• The controversial “no” votes only further fuel expectations he will retire.