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Is Trump Losing His Grip On Senate Republicans?
Topline
President Donald Trump called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to fire the Senate rule-keeper on Monday, the latest sign of tensions between Trump and Thune.
Key Facts
Tangent
Parliamentarians are hired by the Senate secretary and serve at the pleasure of the majority leader. The Senate secretary is elected by the Senate.
Key Background
Many in Trump’s base were against Thune’s campaign for majority leader and preferred Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who came in third in the contest. Trump stayed neutral. In recent weeks, Thune’s breaks with Trump have prompted fresh criticism from some MAGA loyalists. “Grow a spine, Thune!” right-wing influencer Nick Sortor wrote on X in response to Trump’s Truth Social post on Monday. Trump ally Steve Bannon wrote “Thune IS The Problem,” in a post on X last week after Thune expressed concerns about Pulte. Trump and Thune have clashed before. Thune called Trump’s attempts to contest the 2020 election results “inexcusable,” and Trump predicted he would be primaried in 2022, ending his political career. Thune endorsed Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., for president in the 2024 race.
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