Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) the last GOP leader, is stepping down on Wednesday. The Senate will then decide on the new GOP Leader. The three main contenders — John Cornyn (Texas), Rick Scott, (Florida), and Minority Leader John Thune, (South Dakota), have been in a fierce competition. Thune said that Trump should not interfere with the Senate’s decision.
It may be just me, but, I’d like to ask: Did Thune win nearly 75 million votes, and receive a mandate from the American public? No. I don’t know why he suddenly believes he is the boss. Trump is free to do whatever he wants.
Trump did speak out on Sunday, stating what he believes to be a critical requirement for any job seeker:
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
We cannot allow it to happen again. We must fill positions IMMEDIATELY. Also, during this period no judges should be approved because the Democrats want to push through their Judges while the Republicans are fighting over Leadership. This is not acceptable. Thank you!
This excellent X thread will explain why recess appointments and other important events are so crucial.
Thune’s remarks, on the other hand, have caused a lot of reactions:
Thune’s remarks are causing a stir in the Senate two days after Trump swept to victory against Vice President Harris, helping Republicans regain the majority.
Allies of Thune’s two rivals, Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Rick Scott, R-Fla. say that Thune’s calls for Trump to remain out of the race are a sign that he is worried that Trump will endorse Cornyn or Scott. This would be a major setback.
“He’s terrified. He knows Trump will not endorse him. If he knows this, then Trump’s involvement hurts him,” said a Senate Republican adviser.
Scott is the most close to Trump of all 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 with Trump’s request:
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 has just been posted to X. He also expressed a desire to work with President-elect Trump:
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’s involvement is smart. This is usually done in backroom deals. But the incoming president will need a majority leader to support his vision. He has earned the right, after delivering a red wave of overwhelming proportions on November 5, to express his opinions in whatever way he chooses.
