Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota has been elected as the next leader of his party in the Senate, putting him on track to become majority leader next year. Thune, currently serving as minority whip, will be tasked with guiding President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda through Congress. In a tight vote against Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, Thune secured the leadership position and will officially assume the role when the Senate is sworn in on January 3.
Thune has expressed support for Trump’s priorities, including immigration reform, lowering prices, increasing energy production, and passing tax legislation. The new majority leader will also navigate controversies surrounding Trump’s demands for swift confirmation of nominees through recess appointments.
Despite a complicated relationship with Trump in the past, including calls for him to drop out of the 2016 race and voting “not guilty” following impeachment, Thune has worked to mend fences with the former president. He has met with Trump multiple times and sought to build rapport as Trump secured the GOP nomination for a third time.
Thune’s election as majority leader signals a Senate that is likely to fast-track Trump’s agenda and prioritize fulfilling his campaign promises. The senator, who has been in office since 2004, will play a crucial role in shaping the legislative direction of the Republican Party in the upcoming term.
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