"Senate Republican Leader John Thune Endorses Trump for President in 2024"

GOP Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, has endorsed former President Donald Trump as the party’s nominee, despite previous skepticism about Trump's viability as a general election candidate. Thune's backing reflects Trump's continued influence within the party, as other Senate Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have been slower to rally around Trump. Thune's endorsement comes after Trump's win in the South Carolina primary and indicates the former president's strong hold on the GOP as he moves toward the nomination.