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Trump and Thune’s dynamic turns the Senate ‘very chaotic’
Semafor • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump's aggressive pursuit of politically tough priorities, such as new voter ID laws and ending the Senate filibuster, is causing tension within the Republican Party and complicating Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s efforts.
- Trump’s late-night intervention derailed a bipartisan plan led by Thune and Senator Tom Cotton to renew a critical surveillance law and block Bill Pulte’s controversial nomination, further straining relations and delaying legislative progress.
- Trump also directed his intelligence nominee Jay Clayton to skip a confirmation hearing and linked his confirmation to unrelated appointments, adding to the chaos and frustrating GOP senators.
- Some Republicans blame Thune for antagonizing Trump, while others defend Thune as working hard to advance Trump’s agenda despite the president’s unpredictable demands.
- The ongoing intraparty conflicts and Trump’s approach risk undermining Republican unity and legislative effectiveness ahead of potential Democratic gains in the House.
