Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) was elected Senate majority leader in a secret vote earlier today, drawing harsh criticism from many members of the Republican Party. Thune responded to the secret vote stating Senate Republicans are united behind President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda, posting on X:
I am extremely honored to have earned the support of my colleagues to lead the Senate in the 119th Congress, and I am beyond proud of the work we have done to secure our majority and the White House. This Republican team is united behind President Trump’s agenda, and our work starts today.
Thune’s selection was forseen by Donald Trump, Jr. in February of this year, where he predicted he would replace Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), stating in a post on X:
RINO Senators John Thune & John Cornyn both want to replace Mitch McConnell, once he finally gets put out to pasture. Both of them also voted to send billions more to Ukraine. MAGA must do everything in our power to stop either of these two RINOs from ever becoming Senate Leader!
Thune and McConnell both have a lifetime score of 56 percent on The New American’s Freedom Index. Critics of Thune pointed to his support of the policing reform bill following the 2020 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He noted the deaths of Floyd and Breonna Taylor while speaking on the Senate floor regarding police reform, and stated in a post on X:
Too many black Americans live in fear that what happened to George Floyd could happen to their own fathers, sons, & brothers. We must continue to strive toward the full realization of America’s founding promise that all men are created equal & liberty and justice for ALL.