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:
Any 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 get people confirmed in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2024
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.
The people who just gave Donald Trump a sweeping mandate do not want Thune or Cornyn to lead the US Senate.
They want Rick Scott. It’s very clear.
Share if you agree.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 9, 2024
(Republican) Senator Thune is the top choice of Democrats 🤣🤣 https://t.co/M265pKW4MT
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 10, 2024
Rick Scott agreed to Trump’s requirement:
100% agree. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible. https://t.co/GlrHx2zJXh
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) November 10, 2024
Thune, meanwhile, just posted to X; he also expressed a willingness to work with the president-elect:
We must act quickly and decisively to get the president’s nominees in place as soon as possible, & all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments. We cannot let Schumer and Senate Dems block the will of the American people.https://t.co/h6gDmjhbqn
— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) November 10, 2024
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.
