Senate Republicans Defend Thune as Trump's Pressure Fails to Move 53-Seat GOP on Election Bill
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 23
Senate Republicans Defend Thune as Trump's Pressure Fails to Move 53-Seat GOP on Election Bill
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 23
Summary
Senate Republicans rallied behind Majority Leader John Thune after Trump urged supporters to “call John Thune” and the White House said the president’s patience was “running out” over the stalled SAVE America Act.
53 Senate Republicans still lack the votes to pass the election bill, and lawmakers say Trump cannot force holdouts to fall in line; aides say the measure would struggle even under a 50-vote path without the filibuster.
Thune pushed back by saying the White House should help secure votes or target Democrats blocking floor action, then quickly tried to cool tensions, noting he and Trump still speak regularly.
The clash exposes a broader Senate-White House rift: Republicans resent Trump for attacking them over a bill they see as unwinnable, while some in Trump's orbit argue failure to pass it could hurt MAGA turnout before November.
No senator has backed a challenge to Thune, but allies expect Trump could intensify pressure after the August recess, especially if midterm results weaken the GOP's hold on the chamber.