Senate Democrat Says McConnell's Vote Means There's 'Hope' Republican Colleagues Can Break From 'Trump Cult'

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sees Sen. Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) vote against Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence as the GOP's first real fracture from the "Trump Cult."

"Mitch McConnell breaking yesterday with his Republican colleagues telling the truth to power, indicates that maybe the Trump cult, the intimidation and threats can be broken," Blumenthal said during an appearance on MSNBC Thursday morning.

McConnell was the sole Republican senator who opposed Gabbard's confirmation despite previously voting to advance her nomination. Gabbard was confirmed in a 52-48 vote Wednesday.

Gabbard has been condemned for regurgitating Kremlin talking points—opposing U.S. sanctions, criticizing NATO expansion, and taking positions that support Putin's interests.

"Given the Russian propaganda that she has espoused over the past period of time, I think she's a serious threat to our national security," former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton previously warned.

Yet, Blumenthal admitted Democrats face an uphill battle in resisting the Trump administration's policies.

"Our tools are limited. We're in the minority. They control obviously both houses of Congress and the White House and indirectly the United States Supreme Court," he said. "But we're taking the fight to Republicans in the halls of Congress, in rallies."

Democrats are organizing town halls to mount public pressure against the administration's sweeping overhaul that's slashing spending, shutting down agencies, and forcing worker buyouts, he added.

"So I think there's hope, but I'm very clear-eyed that our tools are limited and we need to really galvanize a citizens movement here that will bring pressure to bear on Republican colleagues," Blumenthal said.