Thune ‘adamant’ about Trump support, driving MAGA agenda despite tense past relationship

Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., emerged victorious in the GOP leadership race, vowing to carry out President-elect Trump’s agenda as leader. Thune made his case to GOP senators before they selected him to succeed Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Wednesday, with Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., noting that Thune was “adamant” about supporting Trump’s agenda.

Hawley, who publicly endorsed Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, instead of Thune, emphasized that he would hold Thune to his pledge to support President Trump’s agenda. Despite concerns in Washington, D.C., about the relationship between Thune and the president-elect, Republicans expressed confidence in Thune’s ability to lead the party and advance Trump’s agenda in the Senate.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., an ally of Trump, expressed optimism about Thune’s leadership, stating that Thune would lead by consensus with the conference. Similarly, Sen.-elect Jim Banks, R-Ind., a top Trump ally, praised Thune for his support of the president’s agenda and expressed confidence in the Senate majority’s backing of Trump’s priorities.

Thune’s close relationship with President Trump was highlighted by Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who affirmed that there was no rift between the two leaders and that they were on the same page. Despite Elon Musk’s endorsement of Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and speculation about Trump’s preference for Scott, sources indicated that Trump may have been privately backing Thune in the leadership race.

While some critics raised concerns about Thune replicating McConnell’s leadership style, Mullin dismissed these claims, highlighting Thune’s collaborative approach to decision-making within the conference. Thune’s leadership was described as involving the conference in decision-making processes and ensuring that the majority of Republicans were on board before moving forward with any decisions.

Thune’s office declined to comment on the matter, but supporters like Mullin are confident that Thune’s leadership will be different from McConnell’s and will prioritize unity and collaboration within the Republican conference. As Thune takes on his new role as Senate Minority Leader, his commitment to supporting President Trump’s agenda remains unwavering, setting the stage for a united and focused Republican Party in the Senate.