Thune faces rough patch with Trump as Senate frustrations boil over
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) just finished a bruising week that left his relationship with President Donald Trump at a recent low point.
TL;DR
- Senate Republicans have shown increased defiance towards President Trump's priorities, creating challenges for Majority Leader John Thune.
- Key disputes include a resolution to curb Trump's war powers and a "lawfare" fund tied to the January 6th Capitol riot settlement.
- Trump has publicly supported challengers against Republican incumbents like Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Bill Cassidy, further straining relationships.
- Thune is also managing internal GOP resistance to funding requests, such as a $1 billion addition for the Secret Service.
- Despite the friction, some Republicans and aides suggest this is not a fundamental break between Trump and Thune, but rather a sign of a changing dynamic within the Senate GOP.