Romney Calls for Unity in Farewell Speech After Years of Opposition to Trump

Utah Senator Mitt Romney, a Republican and frequent critic of Donald Trump, used his farewell speech in the U.S. Senate to stress the importance of bipartisan cooperation amidst growing political divisions.

“My life’s work has been a group affair,” said Romney, who also served as Massachusetts governor and the GOP’s 2012 presidential nominee.

Reflecting on his career, Romney stated, “I will leave this chamber with a sense of achievement. But in truth, I will also leave with the recognition that I did not achieve everything I had hoped.”

Addressing the challenges of partisan gridlock, Romney lamented, “Among other things, the scourge of partisan politics has frustrated repeated efforts to stabilize our national debt. Without the burden of the interest on that debt, we would be able to spend three times as much as we do on military procurement—three times as many aircraft, three times as many ships, three times as many drones, spacecraft, cyber defenses. Or alternatively, we could spend double the amount we spend on Social Security benefits every month. Our national credit card is almost maxed out, and America risks becoming debt poor.”

While noting his enjoyment of the camaraderie in the Senate, Romney admitted he wouldn’t miss “the myriad meaningless votes” or “10-minute votes that last an hour.”

In what appeared to be indirect criticism of Trump, Romney said, “There are some today who would tear at our unity, who would replace love with hate, who deride our foundation of virtue, or who debase the values upon which the blessings of heaven depend.”

After 25 years in public service, Romney reflected, “I have learned that politics alone cannot measure up to the challenges we face.”

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Romney also expressed gratitude to Utah, the state of his family heritage, saying, “It has been an honor to represent the people of Utah. What sets Utah apart is not just its beauty and vibrant economy, it is the admirable character of its people.”

He concluded with a call to unity and a reminder of America’s shared values: “Now, it is customary to end remarks like these with the words: ‘God Bless America.’ That has never seemed jarring or out of place to me because Americans have always been fundamentally good. From our earliest days, we have rushed to help neighbors in need, as De Tocqueville noted. We welcomed the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. We have respected different faiths, as our first president confirmed to Muslims and Jews.”

He added, “United We Stand is a fitting refrain. As the leader of the free world, our sons and daughters have fought time and again for liberty, and our treasure has buoyed freedom fighters around the globe. Like all people, we have made mistakes, some grievous, but often our mistakes have come from misguided understanding. God has blessed America because America is good.”

Romney concluded with an optimistic vision: “A country’s character is a reflection not just of its elected officials but also of its people. I leave Washington to return to be one among them and hope to be a voice of unity and virtue. For it is only if the American people merit His benevolence that God will continue to bless America.”