Mitch McConnell takes his revenge on Trump

• "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 relitigation 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.