The X post from @its_The_Dr (Johnny Midnight) shares a screenshot or image of Mitch McConnell's key senior staff list (from his Washington, D.C. office and Kentucky offices), along with contact numbers. It accuses McConnell of involvement in "Ukrainian Kickback Deals" related to U.S. aid to Ukraine and suggests his staff (possibly "liberals") are blocking the **SAVE Act** (often referred to as the SAVE America Act in these contexts). It compares McConnell's condition to Joe Biden's, implying cognitive decline or that staffers are running things.
This reflects a common narrative in some MAGA/Trump-aligned circles on X right now, especially around frustration with Republican Senate leadership stalling election-related reforms.
### On "Ukrainian Kickback Deals"
Claims that McConnell (or other politicians like Biden, Schumer, etc.) received millions in personal kickbacks from Ukrainian officials tied to U.S. aid have circulated widely on social media since at least late 2023/early 2024. These often include viral lists or graphics alleging specific dollar amounts (e.g., $89 million to McConnell).
However, these are **unsubstantiated and repeatedly debunked** as false or baseless misinformation:
- Fact-checks (e.g., from PolitiFact) rate similar claims as "Pants on Fire" false, tracing them to recycled hoaxes without evidence from Ukrainian officials or any credible investigations.
- No official Ukrainian government releases, U.S. investigations (like those from the Ukraine Fraud and Corruption Investigative Working Group), or congressional oversight have produced evidence of such kickbacks to U.S. politicians.
- McConnell was actually one of the strongest GOP advocates for Ukraine aid packages (working with Democrats like Schumer), pushing through billions in military/economic support despite opposition from parts of his party and Trump-aligned figures. He framed it as vital for U.S. national security and emphasized oversight to prevent misuse.
Allegations of corruption in Ukraine aid exist (e.g., concerns about fraud in Kyiv or general oversight needs), but they focus on Ukrainian-side issues or general accountability—not proven personal kickbacks to U.S. leaders like McConnell.
### On Blocking the SAVE Act
The **SAVE Act** (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act) is a bill requiring proof of citizenship for federal voter registration (often tied to efforts against non-citizen voting). It passed the House in prior sessions but has faced Senate hurdles.
Recent reports and posts indicate frustration among some Republicans (including Rep. Tim Burchett and others) that McConnell—chair of the Senate Rules Committee (which oversees election-related matters)—or his staff (particularly Legislative Director Tiffany Ge, also Majority Staff Director for the committee) have not advanced or scheduled it for markup/vote. This has fueled claims that staffers are obstructing it, possibly due to McConnell's age/health or political differences (e.g., his past tensions with Trump).
McConnell has stepped back from leadership roles but retains influence via committee positions. Critics in these circles argue this blocks a popular reform (polls show broad support for voter ID/citizenship proof requirements). Supporters of the bill see it as essential election integrity; opponents view it as unnecessary or voter-suppressive.
The post provides McConnell's office contacts, likely to encourage calls pressuring him/staff on the SAVE Act.
Overall, the claims mix real frustrations (e.g., SAVE Act delays in the Senate) with unsubstantiated conspiracy elements (kickbacks). If you're looking to verify staff details, contact info, or bill status, official Senate sources or Congress.gov would be reliable. Let me know if you'd like more on any part!
