Thune Holds the Line as Trump Presses for GOP Agenda

Trump is pressuring Senate Majority Leader John Thune to push his priorities, but Thune has resisted rushing through a federal elections overhaul and other measures, arguing there aren’t enough votes and that Senate norms must be preserved. He remains loyal to the president while navigating a growing wing of the GOP willing to push back, including Cornyn, Cassidy, and Tillis, who are now freer to challenge despite midterm headwinds. The White House acknowledges the tension, but Thune’s leadership endures and no move to depose him has occurred as Republicans battle to hold their majority.