Senate Republicans are standing behind Senate Majority Leader John Thune after President Donald Trump criticized his legislative leadership. Trump has pressed the Senate to remain in session through the August recess to pass the SAVE America Act, a strict voting proof-of-citizenship law.
Trump demands end to filibuster
Trump publicly urged the Republican leader to change Senate rules to force the bill through. He stated on social media that “Thune should not allow the United States Senate to ‘leave town’ until it passes The Save America Act or, far better still, TERMINATES THE FILIBUSTER.”
Trump added in media comments that “he’s just got to get his job done,” calling the current legislative standoff “too bad for him and too bad for the Republican Party.”
Thune pushes back on vote math
Thune quickly rejected the idea of eliminating the filibuster or holding dead-end votes on a measure that lacks necessary support. Pointing to the reality of the Senate’s numbers, Thune remarked:
“It seems to me some days that I’m the only one here who can count to 50 in this town.” He added that “the Republicans are not getting rid of the legislative filibuster” and challenged critics demanding action by asking, “Show me how this ends.”
GOP senators support their leader
Senate Republicans are rallying firmly around Thune’s decision. Lawmakers agree that keeping the chamber stuck in Washington without enough votes to clear the 60-vote threshold is pointless. They continue to back Thune as he protects traditional Senate rules and focuses on achievable agenda items.
