Trump Holds Back on Thune
President Trump did not give Senate Majority Leader John Thune the endorsement Thune probably would have liked when asked about another term as GOP leader. In an interview with Punchbowl News’s Jake Sherman that aired Friday, Trump said he did not want to get into the question “this early,” while also saying he gets along with Thune. That is Washington-speak for “nice try, but no.” Trump pointed to his frustration over Thune not having the votes on major items, especially the SAVE America Act and ending the filibuster. The exchange came while Trump was discussing the confirmation of Todd Blanche to serve as Attorney General and criticizing John Cornyn and Lisa Murkowski for opposing Blanche.
Mike Johnson Gets a Stronger Review
Trump sounded very different when the subject turned to Speaker Mike Johnson. He called Johnson “great” and a “fantastic person,” then said he did not think there was “even a thought” of anyone challenging him. That is about as clear as it gets in politics, where most answers are wrapped in enough fog to hide a cargo ship. The contrast was hard to miss. On Thune, Trump was careful and clearly frustrated. On Johnson, Trump offered direct support and praise. For conservatives watching the difference between talk and action in Congress, that contrast says plenty without needing a committee hearing, a white paper, or another consultant-approved slogan.
The Filibuster Fight Is the Real Flashpoint
Trump made clear that his biggest disagreement with Thune is about power, votes, and speed. He said he believes strongly in terminating the filibuster and getting the SAVE America Act approved immediately, along with “about 400 other things in every hour of every day.” Trump argued that Republicans could pass things “nobody ever dreamt of” if the Senate moved more aggressively. He also warned that if Democrats get back in, he may be the last Republican president, and he urged the Senate to “get smart.” Love him or hate him, Trump’s message was not subtle. He wants results, not excuses dressed up in Senate tradition.
https://x.com/AndrewDesiderio/status/2085781039473995947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Thune Responds to the Snub
According to Punchbowl’s Andrew Desiderio, Thune responded to Trump’s refusal to back him by saying it was “probably expected.” Thune also said Trump is entitled to his views and added that Republicans feel they have done a lot for him. The source also notes that Thune has previously pushed back on Trump’s criticism and has not whipped up the votes for the SAVE America Act. Thune has also refused calls from Republican senators to delay the August recess until the SAVE Act is passed, and last month he suggested there was no path forward, saying postponing recess would not be “in anybody’s best interest.” That may be the Senate’s view, but plenty of voters are tired of watching urgent promises get parked behind vacation schedules.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
JIMMY
Find more articles like this at steadfastandloyal.com.
Having trouble? If your comment doesn’t post, submit another comment right after it that says: Jimmy, please approve my comment that didn’t post.
Leave a Reply