Republicans pick John Thune to be Senate majority leader - here’s what that means for Trump’s agenda
The IndependentSign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Senate Republicans nominated Senate Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota to succeed Mitch McConnell as majority leader, setting him up to be the main force to push through President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda. Thune beat out Florida Senator Rick Scott - a favorite of allies of Trump’s such as Elon Musk - and Senator John Cornyn of Texas, who previously held the job of whip. Senate Republicans nominated Minority Whip John Thune to be Senate majority leader Thune’s nomination reveals the limits the MAGA wing of the Republican Party has on the upper chamber, which is often viewed as more sober-minded than the more rambunctious House of Representatives. Thune will now have enormous power as majority leader, which will include confirming Trump’s cabinet and judicial nominations.