Republicans are responding with exasperation and dismay to President Donald Trump’s shot at one of their party leaders, per reports.
Politico reported that GOP senators are standing up to Trump’s recent comments, taking issue with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and his inability to pass the SAVE America Act, a proof-of-citizenship voting bill touted by Trump.
At a rally in Georgia on Wednesday, Trump told attendees to “call John Thune” while complaining that “the Senate is a place you send things when you want them to die,” and “We’re not going to take this any longer. We’re not going to take it. I’m trying to be nice,” according to Politico.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed those remarks on Thursday, saying that Trump’s patience is “running out” with Thune. But GOP senators also reacted in comments to Politico, where they were confused by what Trump wanted Thune to do to pass the SAVE America Act.
“John can’t put a gun to people’s heads and make them vote a particular way,” Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) told Politico.
“This idea that he can just command members of the Republican conference to get in line is just a fantasy. So I think it’s unfair,” Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) said, per Politico. “I don’t know who it was that sold the president on this idea, that this was obtainable, but it’s creating a circular firing squad for Republicans.”
An anonymous Senate GOP aide described Trump’s pressure on Thune as “just exhausting” in comments made to Politico. “What leverage does he have over the Senate?” the aide asked.
Thune defended himself too, saying, “It’s 50 around here, and so instead of, you know, pointing the finger at Republicans, they might think about going after the people who are stopping it on the floor, which is the Democrats. And if there are Republicans that they think are gettable, get on the phone.”
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