As my colleague Streiff reported Friday, the success of President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda may be on the line Wednesday because that’s when the Senate decides on the next GOP Leader after Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) finally stepped down. The competition between the three leading contenders—John Cornyn (Texas), Rick Scott (Florida), and Minority Whip John Thune (South Dakota)—has been fierce, with Thune saying that Trump should let the Senate decide and not put his thumb on the scale.
Maybe it’s just me, but I would ask, did Thune just win almost 75 million votes and earn a resounding mandate from the American people? No. So, I’m not sure why he suddenly thinks he’s the boss. Trump can do what he wants.
In fact, Trump himself did weigh in Sunday and outlined what he considers a key requirement for anyone seeking the job:
This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY! Additionally, no Judges should be approved during this period of time because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges as the Republicans fight over Leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THANK YOU!
For anyone wanting an explanation about why recess appointments are so vital, check out this excellent X thread.
Thune’s comments, meanwhile, caused plenty of reaction:
Thune’s comments are creating a stir among Senate insiders two days after Trump won a resounding victory over Vice President Harris and helped Republicans regain the Senate majority.
Allies of Thune’s two rivals in the leadership race, Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), say that calls for Trump to stay out of the leadership race indicate that Thune is nervous that the president-elect would endorse either Cornyn or Scott — which would be a serious setback.
“He’s terrified. He knows that Trump won’t endorse him. If he knows that, then Trump getting involved hurts him,” a Senate Republican aide said.
Thune’s rivals have a better relationship with Trump, especially Scott, who’s the closest to the president-elect of the three.
Rick Scott agreed to Trump’s requirement:
Thune, meanwhile, just posted to X; he also expressed a willingness to work with the president-elect:
Trump is smart to get involved. These matters are usually worked out in shady backroom deals, but the incoming president needs a majority leader who supports his vision if he’s going to get through his agenda. After delivering an overwhelming red wave on November 5, he’s earned the right to voice his opinion in any manner he sees fit.
If the DemocRATS is in favor of Thune for Senate leadership then Trump should run as fast as he can to get away from him, make sure he will get someone complete loyal to him.