As former President Donald Trump pushes to install a loyal ally in the Senate seat long held by Mitch McConnell, a brewing controversy threatens to complicate the race. One leading contender, Representative Andy Barr of Kentucky, is facing fresh scrutiny over past political donations—to Republicans who broke ranks and voted to impeach Trump during his 2021 trial.
Though Barr voted against impeachment, he previously criticized Trump’s role in the January 6 Capitol riot, calling the former president’s actions “irresponsible” and acknowledging he was “not blameless.” Now, those remarks and Barr’s financial support of some of Trump’s fiercest GOP critics are fueling doubts within Trump’s inner circle.
Inside Trump’s Camp, Unease Grows
Sources close to the former president reveal concerns about Barr’s contributions to several House Republicans who opposed Trump’s impeachment, including Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio), John Katko (R-NY), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.), and David Valadao (R-Calif.). Between 2021 and 2022, Barr’s leadership PAC donated more than $17,000 to these lawmakers, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
The timing of some donations is especially sensitive. One came just months after Trump publicly condemned the 10 House Republicans who voted for impeachment, urging his supporters to oppose them in future elections—a move that underscored deep divisions within the GOP.
A High-Stakes Three-Way GOP Primary
Barr now finds himself in a fierce battle for McConnell’s seat against former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris. At 51, Barr brings congressional experience to the race; Cameron, 39, is backed by both Trump and McConnell allies; and Morris, 44, presents himself as a fresh political outsider with a business background.
McConnell has held the Senate seat since 1985, making this race a critical battleground watched closely both in Kentucky and across the nation. Trump’s push to reshape GOP leadership with loyalists adds extra weight to the contest.
Donations Could Become a Political Flashpoint
Critics are poised to weaponize Barr’s donations in the GOP primary, especially among Trump’s staunch supporters who view those contributions as a betrayal. A GOP strategist familiar with the race warned that Barr’s financial ties to Trump’s impeachment opponents “may not sit well with the party’s conservative base.”
Supporters of Barr push back, arguing that his voting record tells the true story—a record marked by consistent conservative stances and opposition to both of Trump’s impeachments.
As the fight to succeed McConnell intensifies, the race has become a high-stakes test of party loyalty, past alliances, and Trump’s enduring sway over the Republican Party.