John Thune
Taxpayers have funded nearly $1.5M in pro-Trump ads. Criticism is mounting, including from the GOP
The White House has spent days fiercely defending three taxpayer-funded advertisements that glorify President Donald Trump and are nearing at least $1.5 million in public spending, calling them public service announcements like those used in past administrations. “Don’t let the Fake News get away with their lies about our epic Public Service Announcements that have […]
McConnell returns to the Senate for the first time since his June hospitalization
WASHINGTON | Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky returned to the Senate to vote on Monday for the first time in three months, looking noticeably more frail after he was hospitalized for a June fall in his home. McConnell’s lengthy absence from the Senate generated a flood of criticism and online speculation, as he initially […]
The GOP was confident about keeping its Senate majority. Now the fight for control is wide open
WASHINGTON | Republicans appeared to have a firm grip on the Senate heading into the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. But with less than two months until Election Day, control of the chamber is now up for grabs. Democrats have found themselves competing in states that once seemed beyond their reach as […]
Trump demands Sen. Thune delay Senate August break over SAVE citizenship voting bill
WASHINGTON | President Donald Trump on Monday demanded that Senate Majority Leader John Thune cancel the chamber’s upcoming August break until senators pass a strict proof-of-citizenship voting bill, even as Republicans lack the votes to advance it. Trump has repeatedly urged Thune to scrap the legislative filibuster, which effectively sets a 60-vote threshold for most […]
Republicans consider next steps after scrapping of $1.8 billion fund for Trump allies
WASHINGTON | Senate Republicans were evaluating Tuesday whether the Trump administration’s scrapping of a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensative the president’s allies eased their concerns enough to move forward with votes this week on separate legislation funding immigration enforcement. Democrats were relishing the chance to put Republican senators on the record about the settlement […]
Republicans expected to abandon $1B security proposal for White House and Trump’s ballroom
WASHINGTON | Senate Republican leaders are expected to abandon a proposal for $1 billion in security money for the White House complex and President Donald Trump’s ballroom on Thursday amid backlash from members of their own party. Pressured by the White House, Republicans tried to add the money to a roughly $70 billion bill to […]