Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., expressed unwavering support for President-elect Trump's agenda during a meeting with GOP senators before being chosen as the successor to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Thune's commitment to championing Trump's agenda in the Senate was reiterated multiple times during the meeting, as noted by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., who emphasized Thune's adamant stance.
Despite not voting for Thune himself, Hawley publicly endorsed Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, but stated he would hold Thune accountable to his pledge of supporting Trump's agenda. Concerns in Washington, D.C., regarding the mended relationship between Thune and the president-elect were dispelled by Republicans who expressed confidence in Thune's ability to align with Trump's priorities.
Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., and Sen.-elect Jim Banks, R-Ind., both allies of Trump, voiced optimism about Thune's support for the president's agenda. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., a key advocate for Thune in the leadership race, affirmed that Trump and Thune had a positive relationship and were aligned in their goals.
While Trump did not publicly endorse a candidate in the GOP leader race, speculation arose about his preference for Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. However, sources indicated that Trump may have privately supported Thune, with NRSC Chair Steve Daines, R-Mont., hinting at Trump's favorable view of Thune before the election.
Despite criticisms and comparisons to McConnell's leadership, Mullin highlighted Thune's collaborative approach in decision-making, involving the Republican conference before moving forward. Thune's office declined to comment on the matter, leaving observers to anticipate his leadership style in the Senate.
