All articles tagged with #john thune
As the 2026 midterms approach, Donald Trump needles Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the stalled SAVE Act and urges canceling the August recess to push the bill. Analysts say the move is more political symbolism than a viable path forward, risks undermining incumbents who need to campaign, and highlights intra-party tensions as Trump attempts to shift blame.
Senate GOP leader John Thune says he does not have the votes to scrap the filibuster or pass Trump’s elections bill, while trying to move a government funding package, confirm nominees, and advance sanctions ahead of a five‑week recess. He emphasizes portraying a clear contrast with Democrats and managing intra‑party pressure, including new communications challenges after Lindsey Graham’s death, as Trump pressures for decisive action.
Insiders say President Donald Trump exploded in the Oval Office over the Iran war, hurling expletives as 13 nights of U.S. airstrikes and Iran’s rejection of a ceasefire intensify tensions, with officials describing him as in "revenge mode" and pressing a harder line that includes renewed strikes and pressure on Senate Republicans like John Thune to move the SAVE Act.
Trump escalated his feud with Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the stalled SAVE America Act, telling Georgia rally-goers to “call John Thune” even as the bill has not secured the votes to pass. White House officials say the president’s patience is running out, but many Senate Republicans defend Thune, arguing the votes aren’t there and urging the White House to win over holdouts rather than blame leadership. The dispute underscores ongoing GOP tensions with Trump and the risk of fracturing support ahead of the midterms, with leadership trying to keep the conference united despite the rift.
A Capitol side-by-side shows Trump appearing shorter than 6'4" Senate Majority Leader John Thune, challenging his 6'3" height claim and fueling scrutiny of his health disclosures and candor.
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.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he plans to clinch a bipartisan Department of Homeland Security funding deal by Thursday, with talks reportedly centering on DHS funding while omitting only ERO money and addressing Democrats’ concerns about immigration enforcement rules; both chambers are moving toward votes on DHS funding ahead of a two‑week recess, as broader budget and reconciliation discussions continue.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and Rep. Brandon Gill pressed Senate Leader John Thune on Fox News to move the SAVE America Act, which would require identification to vote in federal elections. They warned no Senate legislation would pass without a debate and vote, and signaled they could attach the measure to FISA if needed, while accusing the Senate of wasting time on a “dog parade.” Gill estimated 40–50 Republicans are prepared to stand firm on the issue as Luna vows to “hold the line” against the Senate’s inaction.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces intense GOP pressure to deploy a talking filibuster against the SAVE America Act, but says the math to make it work isn’t there and plans to bring the bill to the floor next week without altering Senate rules, even as Trump backs the effort and hard-right allies push the tactic. The intra-party clash, led by Sen. Mike Lee and other MAGA supporters, risks a protracted fight that could complicate midterm politics and complicate noncitizen voting debates.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to bring the GOP’s SAVE America Act to a vote next week using the standard 60-vote threshold, abandoning a so-called talking filibuster that some Republicans wanted. With Democrats united in opposition, the bill is expected to fail, but Thune intends to allow amendments and extended debate to highlight intra-GOP divisions as Trump pushes for action on the elections overhaul.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune cautions that pursuing a talking filibuster to advance the SAVE America Act is far more complicated and risky than supporters realize and could tie up floor time for months without a rules change, as Donald Trump pressures Republicans to move the bill. The piece also notes Republican skepticism about the tactic, ongoing intra-party talks, and related updates on Rand Paul’s plan to fast‑track Mullin’s DHS confirmation and Democrats’ push for public Iran war votes.
GOP Senator Susan Collins says she would vote for the SAVE Act but expects it will never come to a vote due to the Senate’s 60‑vote filibuster; the piece argues this is a political maneuver to please the GOP base while avoiding a controversial floor decision, claiming Senate Leader John Thune has no incentive to bring it up and that the bill is effectively dead in the current environment.
Three Republican senators—Scott, Lee, and Johnson—are challenging John Thune's leadership within the GOP, reflecting a shift towards more conservative, MAGA-aligned members in the Senate. Thune is navigating these tensions by seeking consensus on funding bills and maintaining respect for diverse views within the party, while the conservative trio prepares for future battles over issues like earmarks and government shutdowns.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed rare anger at Democrats for refusing to reopen the government, criticizing their repeated votes against it and warning that ongoing delays could prolong the shutdown, though there are signs of potential progress in negotiations on spending bills.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to advance a package of full-year funding bills for multiple agencies to reopen the government, needing at least seven Democrats' support for a procedural vote, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer considers a short-term government reopening if a shutdown occurs.