As my colleague Streiff reported on FridayThe success of President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda could be at stake on Wednesday as the Senate decides the next GOP leader after Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) finally resigns. The competition between the three leading candidates – John Cornyn (Texas), Rick Scott (Florida) and Minority Whip John Thune (South Dakota) – was fierce, with Thune saying Trump should let the Senate decide and Don’t put your thumb on the scales.
Maybe it’s just me, but I would ask: Did Thune just win nearly 75 million votes and secure a sweeping mandate from the American people? No. So I’m not sure why he suddenly thinks he’s the boss. Trump can do whatever he wants.
In fact, Trump himself spoke out on Sunday, explaining what he believes is a key qualification for anyone seeking the job:
Every Republican Senator seeking the coveted leadership position in the United States Senate must agree to recess appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to confirm individuals in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years or longer. That is…
– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2024
They did that four years ago and we cannot allow it to happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY! Additionally, no judges should be allowed during this period as Democrats seek to assert their judges while Republicans vie for leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
For anyone who wants an explanation of why break dates are so essential, read here excellent X thread.
Meanwhile, Thune’s comments caused a stir plenty of reaction:
Thune’s comments are raising eyebrows among Senate insiders, two days after Trump won a stunning 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 calls for Trump to stay out of the leadership race suggest Thune fears the president-elect would support either Cornyn or Scott — which would be a major setback.
“He is terribly afraid. He knows Trump won’t support him. If he knows that, then it hurts him that Trump is interfering,” said a Republican aide in the Senate.
Thune’s rivals have a better relationship with Trump, particularly Scott, who is the closest to the president-elect of the three.
The people who just gave Donald Trump a sweeping mandate don’t want Thune or Cornyn leading the U.S. Senate.
They want Rick Scott. It’s very clear.
Share it if you agree.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 9, 2024
(Republican) Senator Thune is the Democrats’ first choice 🤣🤣 https://t.co/M265pKW4MT
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 10, 2024
Rick Scott agreed with Trump’s demand:
100% agree. I will do everything I can to get your nominations through as quickly as possible. https://t.co/GlrHx2zJXh
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) November 10, 2024
Meanwhile, Thune just posted on X; He also expressed his willingness to work with the president-elect:
We must act quickly and decisively to secure the President’s nominations as quickly as possible, and all options are on the table to achieve this, including recess appointments. We cannot allow Schumer and Senate Democrats to block the will of the American people.https://t.co/h6gDmjhbqn
– Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) November 10, 2024
Trump is astute to get involved. These matters are usually resolved in shady backroom deals, but the fresh president needs a majority leader who supports his vision if he is to push through his agenda. After sparking an overwhelming red wave on November 7th, he has earned the right to express his opinion in any way he sees fit.
