John Thune

President Trump suggested temporarily withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. Attorney General after Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis blocked a committee vote. The holdouts demand changes to a $1.8 billion IRS settlement granting Trump immunity from audits. Blanche can remain acting AG, but Trump may wait until the senators leave office next year, risking a Democratic Senate takeover.

91 reports · 15 sources · Updated Aug 11, 02:49 PM UTC

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) has publicly called on Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to provide a health update or resign after a 43-day unexplained absence following a June 14 fall and pneumonia. McConnell, 84, remains in rehabilitation with no return date. The absence creates political uncertainty as an August 3 deadline nears for a special election under a 2024 Kentucky law barring gubernatorial appointments. Beshear suggests a special election could give Democrats a chance at the seat. McConnell’s office has released only two photos and a brief recovery statement.

12 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 6, 09:44 PM UTC

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated President Trump’s “patience is running out” with Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the stalled SAVE Act, which would require voter ID and proof of citizenship. Thune pushed back, urging the White House to secure votes themselves amid a 50-50 Senate. The dispute highlights intra-party tensions as the bill faces a 60-vote threshold, with a potential government shutdown looming in September. Trump has tied the bill’s passage to other legislation, causing a broader legislative stalemate.

24 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 31, 03:16 PM UTC

The death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on July 28, 2026, following his tenth visit to Kyiv since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has sparked debate about the transformation of the Republican Party under MAGA influence. Experts interviewed by Defence24 argue that Graham's passing represents the end of the neoconservative era in US politics, as hawkish foreign policy figures age out without successors. Graham was a key advocate for Ukraine aid and sanctions against Russia, and served as a crucial mediator between President Trump and Kyiv. The article notes that while most Republicans still support NATO, isolationist voices are growing, prioritizing national interests over global engagement. The analysis highlights that the current generation of politicians communicates more bluntly, using faits accomplis rather than diplomatic persuasion, a trend predating Trump's 2016 campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:07 PM UTC

President Donald Trump insulted CBS News reporter Jennifer Jacobs aboard Air Force One on July 27, 2026, calling her question 'stupid' after she asked why he wanted the Senate to cancel its August recess to pass the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration. Trump repeated the insult and then defended his legislative priority, warning that failure to pass the bill would be 'very bad for the party.' He also posted on Truth Social urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune to keep senators in Washington or terminate the filibuster, accusing Democrats of exploiting Republican leadership. The Senate recess is scheduled from August 6 to September 14.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:41 AM UTC

On July 27, 2026, President Donald Trump insulted CBS News reporter Jennifer Jacobs aboard Air Force One, calling her question 'stupid' after she asked why he wanted the Senate to cancel its August recess to pass the SAVE America Act, a bill requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. Trump repeated the insult and then defended the legislation, warning that failure to pass it would be 'very bad for the party.' He also posted on Truth Social urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune to keep senators in Washington, suggesting ending the filibuster to pass the bill and other priorities. The Senate recess is scheduled from August 6 to September 14.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:41 AM UTC

Senate conservatives, led by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), are pressing Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to cancel the August recess so the chamber can debate the SAVE America Act, a sweeping election reform bill that President Trump has designated as his top legislative priority. Lee publicly urged Thune on social media, warning that the recess should not proceed until the bill is addressed. The move highlights internal Republican pressure to advance Trump's agenda and signals a potential clash over Senate scheduling and legislative priorities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:29 PM UTC

On July 27, 2026, President Donald Trump engaged in a weekend posting spree on Truth Social, publishing 43 AI-generated images between 11:16 a.m. and 5:16 p.m. ET. The posts mocked critics including CNN's Kaitlan Collins, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Christie, and Rosie O'Donnell, and depicted late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon as broke and unemployed. Trump also shared deepfakes threatening Iran, showing Kharg Island under bombardment and oil tankers seized by U.S. forces. Several posts floated the idea of a 2028 presidential run, despite constitutional term limits. A recurring theme portrayed Trump as a national savior alongside former presidents, including AI images of Trump with John F. Kennedy and George Washington. Additionally, Trump attacked Senate Majority Leader John Thune over recess appointments, omitting that President Biden also made zero such appointments.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 07:13 AM UTC

In a July 24 episode of The Daily Blast podcast, host Greg Sargent and voting rights reporter Ari Berman analyze Donald Trump's public outburst at Senate GOP leader John Thune, demanding immediate passage of voter suppression measures. The House recently passed a $95 billion budget containing $10 billion in grants to incentivize states to adopt SAVE Act provisions, including proof of citizenship for voter registration, voter ID requirements, and a ban on mail-in voting. This comes amid new polls showing the GOP's midterm election position deteriorating, including a Fox News survey. Trump believes voter suppression can save the party. The White House unusually blasted video of Trump's remarks, escalating pressure on Senate Republicans. Berman describes the House strategy as 'paying states to do voter suppression' through a backdoor reconciliation process.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:29 AM UTC

President Trump has expressed growing frustration with Senate Republicans and Majority Leader John Thune over their failure to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act before the August recess. The SAVE America Act is a bill aimed at tightening voter eligibility requirements. Trump's comments, relayed by a spokesperson, indicate mounting pressure on Senate leadership to advance the legislation. The delay highlights internal Republican tensions over legislative priorities and timing as the August recess approaches.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:31 PM UTC

On July 23, 2026, California Senators Adam B. Schiff and Alex Padilla, along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, escorted the Los Angeles Dodgers' two World Series trophies through the Russell Senate Office Building. The trophies were being brought to meet with members of the Dodgers team. The Dodgers won the Major League Baseball World Series back-to-back in 2024 and 2025. The event was captured by photographer Bill Clark for CQ Roll Call and published as part of the 'Capitol Lens' series, which provides visual coverage of political and ceremonial events on Capitol Hill.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:35 PM UTC

On July 23, 2026, California Senators Adam B. Schiff and Alex Padilla, along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, escorted the Los Angeles Dodgers' two World Series trophies through the Russell Senate Office Building. The trophies were en route to a meeting with members of the team. The Dodgers won the Major League Baseball World Series back-to-back in 2024 and 2025. The event was captured by photographer Bill Clark for Roll Call.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:35 PM UTC

On July 23, 2026, California Senators Adam B. Schiff and Alex Padilla, along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, escorted the Los Angeles Dodgers' two World Series trophies through the Russell Senate Office Building. The trophies were en route to a meeting with members of the Dodgers team. The Dodgers won the Major League Baseball World Series back-to-back in 2024 and 2025. The event was captured in a photograph by Bill Clark of CQ Roll Call and published in Roll Call's Capitol Lens feature.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:35 PM UTC

On July 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and a reconciliation package providing $60 billion for the Pentagon, both in largely party-line votes. The NDAA includes provisions for multiyear F-35 and F-15EX procurement, elimination of two Space Force acquisition agencies, authorization for MH-139 helicopters, a ban on retiring E-3 AWACS aircraft, and reports on Collaborative Combat Aircraft programs. The reconciliation package, part of a third Republican budget effort, aims to fund costs related to the war with Iran and replenish munitions. However, both bills face uncertain futures in the Senate, where a procedural vote on the NDAA failed earlier in July due to Democratic objections over Iran policy and defense spending levels. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not indicated when he will bring the NDAA up again, and Republicans are divided on the reconciliation package's size and offsets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:44 AM UTC

On July 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and a reconciliation package providing $60 billion for the Pentagon, both in largely party-line votes (NDAA 216-212; budget resolution 216-214). The NDAA includes provisions for multiyear F-35 and F-15EX procurement, elimination of two Space Force acquisition organizations, authorization for four MH-139 helicopters, a prohibition on retiring E-3 AWACS aircraft through 2027, and requirements for reports on arming tanker aircraft and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programs. The reconciliation package, the third such effort this Congress, totals $95 billion, with $60 billion for military needs, partly to cover costs of the war with Iran and replenish munitions. However, both bills face an uncertain future in the Senate, where a procedural vote on the NDAA failed earlier in July due to Democratic opposition over the Iran conflict and defense spending levels. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not indicated when he will bring the NDAA up again, and Republicans are divided on the reconciliation package's size and offsets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:44 AM UTC

Congressional leaders are taking early steps to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 4, largely along party lines (220-205). House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Democrats would 'own the chaos' if they oppose the bill, while Democratic leaders called it a premature Republican tactic. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is working with Senator Susan Collins on a bipartisan agreement to fund the government past November. Separately, the House Appropriations Committee is revisiting the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would trigger automatic two-week continuing resolutions during funding lapses and require Congress and OMB staff to remain in Washington until a deal is reached. The bill, supported by AFGE, aims to stop using federal employees as bargaining chips. The article notes the longest government shutdown in history occurred last year, followed by a partial DHS shutdown.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:23 PM UTC

Congressional leaders are taking early steps to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, following the longest government shutdown in history last year and a subsequent partial shutdown. The House passed a continuing resolution on Tuesday to fund the government through December 4, largely along party lines (220-205). House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Democrats would 'own the chaos' if they oppose the bill, while Democratic leaders called it a premature Republican abdication of responsibility. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said bipartisan talks are underway to fund the government past November elections. Separately, the House Appropriations Committee is revisiting the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would trigger automatic two-week continuing resolutions during funding lapses and require Congress and OMB staff to remain in Washington until a deal is reached. The American Federation of Government Employees supports the bill, citing concerns that federal workers will again go unpaid.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:23 PM UTC

President Trump's new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods are facing significant skepticism from Republican senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who said he has not heard the rationale for the move. Senators Mike Rounds and Bill Cassidy expressed concerns that the tariffs will raise prices for American consumers amid rising inflation. Senator Susan Collins, facing a tough reelection in Maine, noted the intertwined economies of Maine and Canada. Trump is using Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act as legal justification, but Senator Rounds questioned the legal basis after the Supreme Court struck down previous tariffs. The tariffs exclude energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals. The article notes that while businesses successfully sued to overturn previous tariffs, Republicans in Congress have historically refused to vote to overturn them, raising questions about the upcoming midterm elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:44 PM UTC

President Trump's new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, excluding energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals, are facing backlash from Republican senators. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism, saying he hasn't heard the rationale. Senator Mike Rounds questioned the legal basis, noting the Supreme Court struck down previous tariffs. Trump justified the move as a response to Canadian trade 'discrimination' on cars, alcohol, and dairy, citing Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act. Senators Rounds and Bill Cassidy warned the tariffs would raise prices for American consumers amid rising inflation. Senator Susan Collins, in a tough reelection campaign in Maine, highlighted the intertwined economies of Maine and Canada. The article notes that while businesses successfully sued to overturn previous tariffs, Republicans in Congress previously refused to vote against them, raising questions about the upcoming midterm elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:44 PM UTC

President Trump's new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, excluding energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals, are facing significant backlash from Republican senators. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism, stating he has not heard the rationale for the tariffs. Senator Mike Rounds questioned the legal basis, noting the Supreme Court struck down previous tariffs. Senator Susan Collins, facing a tough reelection in Maine, highlighted the intertwined economies of Maine and Canada, particularly in blueberries, potatoes, lobster, and lumber. Senator Bill Cassidy warned the tariffs would translate into higher prices for American consumers amid rising inflation. Trump justified the tariffs as a response to Canadian trade 'discrimination' on cars, alcohol, and dairy, citing Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act. The article notes that while businesses previously sued and overturned similar tariffs, Republicans in Congress have historically refused to vote against them, raising questions ahead of the midterms.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:44 PM UTC

House Republicans released a fiscal 2027 budget resolution on July 15, 2026, allocating up to $95 billion over 10 years—$73 billion for defense and intelligence funding for the Iran war (Operation Epic Fury), $12 billion for farm aid, and $10 billion for voter ID measures under the SAVE America Act. The reconciliation package bypasses Democratic opposition but lacks spending offsets, drawing criticism from fiscal hawks. The House Budget Committee approved it 20-14 along party lines, but the floor vote faces uncertainty due to narrow GOP margins and united Democratic opposition.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:38 PM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a short-term continuing resolution (CR) on a mostly party-line vote of 220-205 to extend government funding through December 4, 2026, aiming to avert a partial shutdown this fall. The stopgap measure, supported by six Democrats and opposed by one Republican (Thomas Massie), now moves to the Senate, where Republicans plan to add 'anomalies' requested by the Trump administration, particularly for military funding. Senate Majority Leader John Thune intends to bring a modified bill to the floor before the August recess, but the House is leaving town earlier, raising the possibility of final negotiations in September. House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole said the move pressures Democrats ahead of the midterm elections. Democratic leaders criticized the bill as premature and lacking bipartisan input.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:34 PM UTC

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced on Tuesday that Senate Republicans will 'hold' any budget reconciliation framework passed by the House, using it as a potential backup plan to prevent a government shutdown at the end of September. Thune stated that Senate Republicans will not act immediately on any budget resolution passed by the House, instead keeping it in reserve. This strategy aims to provide a legislative safety net if other funding measures fail, ensuring continuity of government operations. The move reflects ongoing partisan negotiations over federal spending and the approaching fiscal year deadline.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:46 PM UTC

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) stated on Tuesday that Republicans would welcome Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) into their conference if he decides to leave the Democratic Party. The potential switch is driven by growing hostility toward Israel among progressive Democrats, which has reportedly alienated Fetterman, a staunch supporter of Israel. Thune's comment came in response to a question about whether Republicans would 'roll out the red carpet' for Fetterman. The development highlights deepening intra-party divisions within the Democratic Party over U.S. policy toward Israel, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Fetterman has not publicly indicated an intention to switch parties, but his alignment with Republican positions on Israel has fueled speculation about a possible defection.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:40 PM UTC

The article analyzes the challenges facing the Republican trifecta (control of the House, Senate, and White House) in 2026. Despite winning in 2024 on a promise to deliver President Trump's agenda, internal disagreements, slim majorities, Freedom Caucus rebellions, and a lengthy government shutdown have hampered progress. With only nine weeks of legislative time left before the midterms, lawmakers like Sen. John Kennedy and Rep. Chip Roy express frustration over the lack of delivery on key priorities. The GOP has passed some items via reconciliation but still faces a long list of must-do legislation including the NDAA, farm bill, surface transportation reauthorization, and government funding. Experts compare the situation to the 2017 trifecta, noting that legislating remains difficult even with unified control.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:29 PM UTC

This analysis examines President Donald Trump's job approval rating trajectory in mid-2026, ahead of the midterm elections. After starting his second term at 52%, Trump's approval fell to a low of 38% in late May before recovering slightly to 40%. The article notes that while the decline has halted, a rebound is unlikely due to resurgent negative issues: renewed conflict with Iran (17 U.S. service members killed since February), rising gas prices to $4 per gallon, and controversy over ICE traffic stops after two fatal shootings by agents. Republicans, defending narrow majorities, are encouraged by slight improvement in generic ballot polling but face traditional midterm headwinds. Trump is currently underwater by 22 points, worse than his 20-point deficit at the lowest point of his first term. The piece warns that policy decisions may squander goodwill from the World Cup and America 250 celebrations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:40 PM UTC

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed skepticism on Tuesday regarding President Trump's decision to impose an additional 50% tariff on Canada. Speaking to reporters, Thune stated he was 'not a huge fan of tariffs' and wanted to learn more about the rationale behind the move. The comments highlight growing unease within the Republican leadership over Trump's aggressive trade policies, particularly against a key ally. Thune's remarks suggest potential internal party friction as the administration pursues protectionist measures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:04 PM UTC

The article investigates claims that U.S. President Donald Trump may be shorter than his officially stated height of six feet, three inches. A video from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals shows Trump standing next to Spain's captain Rodri, who is also listed as six-foot-three, but appears significantly taller. Trump appears closer in height to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is reportedly five-foot-eleven. The article notes that Trump has claimed for decades that he 'photographs short,' but recent comparisons with Senator John Thune and commentary from media figures suggest he may be shrinking due to age, as he recently turned 80. The piece concludes that Trump likely lies about his height despite visible evidence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:59 PM UTC

The article investigates claims that President Donald Trump may be shorter than his officially stated height of six feet, three inches. A White House video from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals shows Trump standing next to Spain's captain Rodri, who is also listed as six-foot-three, but appears significantly taller. Trump appears closer in height to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is reportedly five-foot-eleven. The article notes that Trump has claimed for decades that he 'photographs short,' but recent comparisons with Senator John Thune and commentary from Joanna Coles suggest he may be shrinking due to age, as he recently turned 80. The piece concludes that Trump likely lies about his height despite visible evidence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:59 PM UTC

A video from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals shows U.S. President Donald Trump appearing significantly shorter than Spain's captain Rodri, who is also listed as six feet three inches tall. The White House-released footage has reignited decades-old speculation about Trump's actual height, which he has consistently claimed is 6'3". Trump appears closer in height to FIFA President Gianni Infantino (5'11"). The article notes that Trump turned 80 last month and that people can shrink with age, citing a recent incident where he appeared shorter than Senator John Thune. The piece suggests Trump may be lying about his height or physically shrinking.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:59 PM UTC