South Dakota Republican leader John Thune recently addressed claims about a strained relationship with President Donald Trump, noting the reports to be overstated. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Thune shared that communication with the president has been frequent. ‘I’ve heard from him twice this morning already. He called me over the weekend, and so there, you know, we talk. I don’t bother him; I’m not calling him every day,’ said Thune.
Last week, President Trump cast doubt on Thune’s role as the leader of Senate Republicans, saying, ‘We’re going to find out,’ when questioned about Thune’s capability to head the Senate’s GOP. Despite Trump’s comments hinting at uncertainty, Thune explained that he doesn’t perceive it as a personal affront. Both leaders aim for similar goals, though methods to achieve them sometimes differ.
Their discourse focuses primarily on passing the SAVE America Act, which aims to reinforce election integrity. The legislation has encountered difficulties in the Senate, leading to concerns. ‘Most of mine are constrained by what’s achievable in an institution like the Senate that has procedural roadblocks to do almost anything,’ shared Thune.
Thune stated, ‘We have those candid conversations, but I’m not worried about that relationship. I know he’s going to push as hard as he can. That’s his business model, is to keep pushing to get people to go as far as they can go.’
Both Trump and Senate Republicans hear the calls for the SAVE America Act’s passage daily. Their base and conference members amplify this demand. The Senate is under pressure to conclude key legislative items, such as averting a government shutdown and confirming Trump’s nominees.
Passing the SAVE America Act remains elusive for Republicans. Democratic opposition and internal Republican disagreements complicate progress. Notably, Thune is committed to the bill and is an original co-sponsor of the precursor SAVE Act. The strategy to exclude Democrats and advance parts of the bill through budget reconciliation interests Thune. However, securing 50 votes and maintaining them to block Democratic amendments proves challenging.
Thune acknowledges the complexities in achieving consensus in the Senate. He remarked, ‘I keep asking the question, am I the only one in this town that can count to 50? It seems like there are many who haven’t internalized that Democrats won’t flip, and there aren’t 50 Republicans willing to nuke the filibuster.’
While frustrated by procedural roadblocks, Thune values the Senate’s structure, designed to prevent dictatorial control. ‘This place was supposed to be difficult, so that no dictator could master it,’ he explained. Ensuring deliberation and consensus are central to his role, balancing the desire to achieve results with the inherent challenges of the legislative process.
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