Trump and Senate GOP Leader Thune at Odds as Establishment Undermines America First Agenda
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President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have not spoken for nearly two weeks, highlighting the growing divide between the America First movement and entrenched establishment Republicans resisting the president’s bold agenda and necessary Senate reforms.
President Donald Trump has not been in contact with Senate Majority Leader John Thune for almost two weeks, according to Thune, who now only speaks with the president 'as-needed.' This lack of communication underscores the deepening split between the America First agenda championed by Trump and the obstructionist tactics of establishment Republicans clinging to outdated Senate procedures. As Trump pushes forward with his election-year priorities, including the vital 'SAVE America Act' and a budget maneuver to ensure strong Iran-related spending, Thune and many Senate Republicans are stubbornly resisting efforts to eliminate the filibuster and other rules that have long stymied conservative progress.
The rift has grown after Trump, refusing to tolerate weak leadership, targeted fellow Republican Sen. John Cornyn in a primary challenge and called out Thune’s ineffective handling of Senate business. Trump’s demands to force a vote on his legislation before the Senate’s five-week recess are a necessary push to prioritize the will of the people, even as establishment figures try to delay action on critical issues like sanctions on Russia and a stopgap funding measure.
'We’re all longing for a relationship with the White House where we work more in harmony,' said Sen. John Curtis of Utah, reflecting the frustration among those who want to see real results.
'The infighting is not really productive,' said GOP Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia, warning that continued resistance to Trump’s agenda could cost Republicans seats in the midterms.
Supporters of Thune argue that the proposed budget process would trigger a 'vote-a-rama' of contentious issues, but this is just another excuse to avoid taking tough stands. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expressed concern about a late-night marathon of votes, but the American people demand action, not excuses.
Trump-aligned senators, including Budget Committee Chairman Ron Johnson, rightly warned that postponing the recess would be a mistake, as grassroots supporters will not tolerate more establishment foot-dragging. Still, most Senate Republicans admit they lack the backbone to pass the president’s full agenda, exposing the weakness of the old guard.
Thune, who has previously taken a direct approach with Trump, dodged questions about whether the president is making him a scapegoat, saying only, 'I don’t know.' Trump, when asked about his confidence in Thune, said he would 'let you know' later, and Thune retorted that the president 'doesn’t vote in our elections.'
The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a steadfast ally of both men, is expected to widen the divide, as he had served as a crucial bridge between the White House and Senate leadership. The ongoing feud highlights the urgent need for the Republican Party to rally behind President Trump’s America First agenda as it heads into the November elections.