Senate Republicans elected Sen. John Thune as majority leader, sparking widespread backlash among grassroots conservatives who feel betrayed by the decision. Thune, seen as a continuation of Mitch McConnell’s leadership, represents the establishment GOP that many MAGA voters have rejected.
JUST IN: Majority Leader John Thune vows to push through Trump's nominees "quickly."
"We will do everything we can to process his noms quickly and get them installed in their positions so they can begin to implement his agenda."
Time will tell. pic.twitter.com/6vFdjJSGTe
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 13, 2024
Honored to serve as the next U.S. Senate majority leader. pic.twitter.com/zq9XLrPDUr
— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) November 13, 2024
The election was held by secret ballot, a process that has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency. Critics argue that this method allows senators to avoid accountability and ignore the mandate delivered by conservative voters in the 2024 election.
Congratulations to my friend Senator John Thune on becoming the New Majority Leader of the United States Senate! I know John to be a man of integrity and principle who will lead the U.S. Senate with distinction. Congratulations Leader and God Bless You, Kimberly & Your Family!🇺🇸 https://t.co/AFi5PzSEdK
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) November 13, 2024
Sen Chuck Schumer is excited Senator John Thune was nominated to be the new Senate Majority leader
This is the Uniparty
They are already moving against Agenda 47
— Drew Hernandez (@DrewHLive) November 13, 2024
BREAKING: Senator Thune elected Senate Majority Leader in secret vote.
The only reason they would do it in secret is if they have something to hide.
We should have transparency from the people we elected to represent us. pic.twitter.com/U5MejAr4yB
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 13, 2024
Thune’s record has made him a polarizing figure among Trump supporters. His frequent alignment with Democrats on issues like Ukraine funding and his resistance to Trump’s policies make him an unlikely leader for a Senate majority elected on the promise of an America First agenda.
Sen John Thune just implicitly *threatened* President Trump on national TV
He told him to not endorse Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader
Yes the same John Thune that told Trump to resign and let Mike Pence take over
We don’t want Thune the Baffoon! https://t.co/sbQJCR9XFy pic.twitter.com/ycN9MTTJCM
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) November 7, 2024
🚨 JUST IN: Majority Leader John Thune just spoke with President Trump
“Just got off the phone with @realDonaldTrump. Senate Republicans are excited and ready to get to work implementing President Trump’s agenda on behalf of the American people.”
WE WANT ACTION! PROVE YOURSELF! pic.twitter.com/yhT30shZdw
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 13, 2024
Senator John Thune has consistently shown that he does not support President Trump's agenda, and his track record reflects that. The Senate deserves a majority leader who is committed to serving the will of the people, not the Uniparty. I believe that leader is @SenRickScott! pic.twitter.com/dpEYzQSrin
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) November 10, 2024
“Mitch McConnell 2.0,” tweeted Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), summarizing the frustration of MAGA voters. Influential conservatives on social media have called out Thune’s election as a betrayal and demanded accountability from senators who supported him.
Senator John Thune, who is next in line for Senate Majority Leader, believes that the J6 prosecutions were legitimate and he wanted everyone put into prison. pic.twitter.com/l0EcrhkW9u
— Cernovich (@Cernovich) November 8, 2024
Rick Scott in 2016 vs. John Thune in 2016
Tell your Senator to Vote Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader pic.twitter.com/HxRieVatwQ
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) November 11, 2024
Senator Thune continues to deny fraud played a big part in the 2020 election – resulting in millions of extra ‘votes’ for Biden. He blamed Trump for J6. Maybe not a great pick for Senate Majority Leader. pic.twitter.com/hySp0WOVOj
— @amuse (@amuse) November 10, 2024
For Trump’s supporters, the decision highlights the ongoing battle within the Republican Party. While Trump’s victory provided a clear mandate for change, Thune’s leadership signals that establishment forces remain entrenched in Washington.
Would be a shame if this video of Senator Thune went viral for not supporting Donald Trump
“I’m hoping we have OTHER options”
I CAN’T BELIEVE Senators in Congress want this guy as Senate Majority Leader
LET’S MAKE THIS VIRAL ON 𝕏 👏 pic.twitter.com/kUHVNTckY7
— Marjorie Taylor Greene Press Release (Parody) (@MTGrepp) November 11, 2024
John Thune is Senate Majority Leader.
He has a short window to show us he will support President Trump, fill his cabinet, confirm his judges, and pass his agenda.
If he does, we will support him.
If he doesn't, we will work to remove him.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 13, 2024
NEW SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: JOHN THUNE. @CharlieKirk11 discussing the breaking news on the new Senate majority leader but he warns Thune: "you have a short window to show us you support President Trump." pic.twitter.com/8obSbOCFsg
— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) November 13, 2024
🚨 #BREAKING: John Thune WINS the vote for Senate Majority Leader over John Cornyn
29-24
The Senate has BETRAYED Americans. pic.twitter.com/crnKrzBuX0
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 13, 2024
The backlash underscores the need for transparency and accountability in GOP leadership decisions. Conservatives are calling for reforms to ensure that the party’s future reflects the will of its grassroots base.
SENATE: Thune and Cornyn have zero business in leadership positions needed to advance Trump’s mandate. Both men repeatedly betrayed the president very publicly and privately. Turn the page, elect @SenRickScott Majority Leader. pic.twitter.com/9dGPAL6qLh
— @amuse (@amuse) November 11, 2024
With Thune elected by the Senate as the next Senate Majority Leader, it's clear that they didn't listen to the people. It's time to repeal the 17th Amendment. Until that happens, here's the list of Senators up for re-election in 2026. Primary every single one of them. pic.twitter.com/TuGZzuqFrL
— SSG_G (@TheParasiteGuy) November 13, 2024
Serious question. Is John Thune, who has a 37% conservative rating in the last congress, and now the Senate Majority Leader, even really a Republican? pic.twitter.com/jMY6T2PlDg
— Tara Servatius (@TaraServatius) November 14, 2024
🚨WOW!
According to The Heritage Foundation’s conservative voting record scorecard, Sen. Rick Scott has a 95% lifetime score, while Thune and Cornyn have 62 and 64%.
No wonder the Swamp is doing everything in its power to keep Rick Scott from becoming Senate Majority Leader👇 pic.twitter.com/qeOssBL7Eb
— 🇺🇸Jessica🇺🇸 (@Jessica_4_Trump) November 11, 2024
Senate insider @DissidentClint explains how @JDVance could still effectively serve as Senate Majority Leader if John Thune obstructs the MAGA mandate:
"There is a little-known procedure in the Senate that gives the Majority Leader the right to be recognized on the floor first.… pic.twitter.com/tNCsZWEGOa
— Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) November 13, 2024
