💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Senate Majority Leader John Thune rejected characterizations of a fractured relationship with President Donald Trump, telling Fox News Digital that the two have spoken multiple times in recent days. Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said Trump called him twice on one morning alone and contacted him over the weekend, contradicting reports of serious friction between the two leaders.
Trump last week questioned whether Thune remained the right person to lead Senate Republicans, expressing concern about the stalled SAVE America Act, an election integrity package Trump has prioritized. Thune said he interprets Trump’s comments as policy-driven rather than personal, emphasizing that both men share the same ultimate goals but sometimes differ on tactics to achieve them.
The core dispute centers on the Senate’s procedural limitations and Thune’s assessment of what legislation can realistically pass. Thune noted that institutional constraints and Senate rules create obstacles that House Republicans do not face, and he emphasized that he must count votes to determine what is achievable rather than what is simply desired.
Democrats have blocked the SAVE America Act all five times Republicans have attempted to bring it to a vote. Thune, an original co-sponsor of the SAVE Act predecessor, expressed frustration that colleagues may not fully grasp the mathematical reality that neither Democrats nor enough Republicans support eliminating the filibuster to pass the bill unilaterally.
Thune characterized his leadership role as managing competing pressures while navigating Senate procedures designed to require consensus. He acknowledged the inherent tension between Trump’s preference for aggressive action and the Senate’s structural requirement for deliberation and broader agreement on significant legislation.
More Stories
Air Force Accelerates Delivery of Next-Generation B-21 Stealth Bomber and F-47 Fighter
Trump Administration Defends U.S. Missile Stockpiles Amid Reports of Depleted Inventories
Democratic Figures Dismiss Carville’s Threat to Leave Party Over Piker’s Campaign Role