Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) joined CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday for his Congressional exit interview, noting that he thinks his political legacy will be a "footnote" in the history books.
Romney, 77, was asked by host Jake Tapper about how he wants to be remembered for his time serving the country.
“I don’t think history will remember Mitt Romney,” he replied, adding “It’s a footnote for somebody who’s reading ancient history.”
Romney, a father to five and grandfather to 25, said what he wants is for his family to remember his legacy.
“I want my family to remember me as someone who stood up for the things I believe, was not embarrassed by my fundamental beliefs, who loved the country and did what I believed was right to help preserve the greatest nation on Earth,” he said.
Romney, who has served in the Senate since 2019, announced last year that he would retire from the Senate, opening the door for a new generation to serve.
The Utah senator previously served as governor of Massachusetts and notably ran against former President Obama in 2012.
Earlier this month, Romney delivered his farewell speech on the Senate floor. He called for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to work toward unity in a time of heightened partisanship.
Looking forward, Romney said he believes Americans need to allow President-elect Trump the chance to do what he said he would do on the campaign trail.
“I disagree with him on some things, but it’s like, okay, give him a chance to do what he says he’s going to do and see how it works out,” he said.
Still, Romney said he hopes the president-elect spends his next term focused “on the future.” He noted that the American people spoke through their votes over the last decade.
“I lost. He won,” Romney said.
