Although said with caution, Axios writer Mike Zapler quotes several public statements by Senate Majority Leader John Thune differing with President Trump, noting that this characterizes a growing Republican challenge to Trump. These include:
On the appointment as acting DNI of Bill Pulte, whom Zapler describes as “a MAGA attack dog who’s used his position as the federal housing finance chief to go after the president’s enemies,” Thune said: “We don’t need a weaponized DNI, we need professionals there.” If the White House wants Pulte in the job permanently, “he’s got a lengthy road ahead of him,” the Senate leader added.
On Trump’s call for a $1.776 billion slush fund for Trump to pay off the Jan. 6 rioters and others, Thune said “I’m not a big fan…. I don’t see a purpose for it.” At another point, he said the proposal “doesn’t pass the smell test.”
Thune is a friend of Sen. John Cornyn. When Trump ousted him in the primary by backing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate primary—after months urging the president to get behind his friend and colleague, Sen. John Cornyn. Asked about this, Thune said: “None of us controls what the president does. He made his decision about that. That doesn’t change the way I feel. I will certainly continue to be supportive of Sen. Cornyn.”
Zapler concludes, however, by quoting Thune: “I think the president has overwhelming support among Republicans across the country,” Thune told reporters Tuesday. “We continue to listen to his advice and counsel and do everything we can to help the country succeed, because I think in the end that’s what the American people expect, and frankly, that’s what our jobs are all about.”
