John Thune
Coverage of John Thune in the Nexus archive.
- Trump Says He Won’t Sign Housing Bill, in Protest Over Stalled Voting Measure
President Trump refused to sign a bipartisan housing bill, citing protest over a stalled voting measure. The housing bill was intended to be signed at the Capitol with Senator John Thune, the majority leader.
- Republicans in Congress struggle with internal squabbles as time runs out on 2026
Republicans in Congress face internal conflicts over legislation as they race to pass bills before the November midterm elections. Disputes over the SAVE America Act and other measures have delayed government funding, defense policies, and a farm bill, with limited time remaining in the session.
- Republicans in Congress struggle with internal squabbles as time runs out on 2026
Republicans in Congress face internal conflicts over legislation, including the SAVE America Act, government funding, and defense policy, as time dwindles before the November midterms. Disagreements and limited session days threaten their ability to pass major bills before voters decide elections.
- Republicans in Congress struggle with internal squabbles as time runs out on 2026
Republicans in Congress face internal conflicts as they struggle to pass legislation before the November midterm elections. Disputes over the SAVE America Act and other bills like government funding, defense policy, and a farm bill have stalled progress, with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune working to address the challenges.
- Republicans in Congress struggle with internal squabbles as time runs out on 2026
Republicans in Congress face internal conflicts over legislation, including the SAVE America Act, as they struggle to pass major bills before the November midterms. Disagreements have delayed government funding, defense policies, and a farm bill, with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune attempting to push forward despite limited session time.
- Republicans in Congress struggle with internal squabbles as time runs out on 2026
Republicans in Congress face internal conflicts over legislation as they race to pass key bills before the November midterms. Disputes over the SAVE America Act and other priorities have delayed government funding, defense policies, and a farm bill, with limited time remaining for congressional sessions.
- Republicans in Congress struggle with internal squabbles as time runs out on 2026
Republicans in Congress are facing internal conflicts over legislation, including the SAVE America Act, which is delaying key bills like government funding and defense measures. House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to use budget reconciliation to push a bipartisan bill, but Senate Republicans are hesitant.
- Republicans in Congress struggle with internal squabbles as time runs out on 2026
Republicans in Congress face internal conflicts as they attempt to pass legislation before the November midterm elections. Disagreements over the SAVE America Act and other bills have delayed government funding, defense policy, and a farm bill, with House Speaker Mike Johnson seeking to use budget reconciliation to advance a third party-line bill.
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear asks Sen. Mitch McConnell to give a public update on his condition
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is requesting Sen. Mitch McConnell to provide a public update on his health after three weeks of silence following his hospitalization. McConnell, who was hospitalized June 14, has not disclosed specific details about his condition, leading to speculation about his ability to return to Senate duties. The article notes unresolved questions about Senate succession if McConnell's seat becomes vacant before his term ends in January.
- McConnell speaks to Republican leaders as speculation swirls about his health, remains hospitalized
Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized with undisclosed health issues as Senate Republicans discuss Senate matters with him. John Thune and John Barrasso spoke with McConnell about national security, Senate races, and other topics, while his spokesperson provided no new updates on his condition.
- Republican leaders seek to quell Mitch McConnell speculation as rebellion grows
Republican leaders are addressing speculation about Mitch McConnell's health after he was hospitalized on June 14. John Thune confirmed speaking with McConnell, but his office has not disclosed the reason for the hospitalization, leading to backlash from MAGA supporters. McConnell, who led Senate Republicans for the longest period before stepping down last year, is 84 years old.
- Republican leaders seek to quell Mitch McConnell speculation as rebellion grows
Republican leaders are addressing speculation about Mitch McConnell's health, with John Thune speaking to him as secrecy around the 84-year-old's hospitalization sparks MAGA backlash. The office has not disclosed details about his treatment.
- Trump birthright citizenship push poses headaches for divided GOP
President Trump’s push to pass a new law to restrict birthright citizenship is creating challenges for Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson as they navigate GOP divisions. Trump cited the Supreme Court’s decision against his previous executive efforts to limit birthright citizenship.
- Senate Republican leaders say they’ve spoken with McConnell amid hospitalization
Senate Republican leaders John Thune and John Barrasso spoke with Sen. Mitch McConnell during his three-week hospitalization for an undisclosed medical issue. McConnell's team stated he is improving and working on Senate matters while in the hospital, with Congress returning to session on July 13. McConnell is retiring in January 2027.
- Senate Republican leaders say they’ve spoken with McConnell amid hospitalization
Senate Republican leaders have spoken with Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has been hospitalized for three weeks for an undisclosed medical issue. They had separate phone calls with him, and his office states he is improving and working on Senate matters during his recovery.
- Senate Republican leaders say they’ve spoken with McConnell amid hospitalization
Senate Republican leaders confirmed separate conversations with Sen. Mitch McConnell during his three-week hospitalization for an undisclosed medical issue. McConnell's team reported he is improving and working on Senate matters while the Senate remains in session until July 13. He is set to retire in January 2027.
- Inside the McConnell health rumor mill
Sen. Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized for three weeks with no official confirmation of his health condition. GOP leaders and former aides reported detailed conversations with him, while MAGA influencers spread unconfirmed health rumors. Kentucky law outlines procedures for potential Senate vacancies due to his condition.
- McConnell speaks to Republican leaders as speculation swirls about his health, remains hospitalized
Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized for undisclosed health issues over three weeks after admission, with Republican leaders John Thune and John Barrasso speaking to him by phone. McConnell's office provides limited updates, stating he is improving and working on Senate matters during the recess.
- McConnell speaks to Republican leaders as speculation swirls about his health, remains hospitalized
Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized with undisclosed health issues, prompting speculation about his condition and ability to return to the Senate. Senate leaders John Thune and John Barrasso have spoken to McConnell, who is retiring in January, discussing Senate matters and politics. His office has provided limited updates, stating he is recovering and working on legislative issues.
- McConnell speaks to Republican leaders as speculation swirls about his health, remains hospitalized
Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized for over three weeks with undisclosed health issues, prompting speculation about his ability to return to the Senate. Republican leaders John Thune and John Barrasso have spoken with McConnell, discussing Senate matters and upcoming elections. Aides have not disclosed his condition, and McConnell is retiring in January.
- Senate GOP leaders say they’ve spoken with Mitch McConnell
Senate GOP leaders John Thune and John Barrasso reported speaking with Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has been hospitalized since June 14. The calls, which covered topics like national security and Senate agenda, occurred amid public speculation about McConnell’s health due to limited updates from his office. A spokesperson for McConnell stated he is 'working closely with his staff' but did not provide details on his condition.
- McConnell speaks with Senate leaders amid questions about hospital stay
Sen. Mitch McConnell, 84, is hospitalized with an undisclosed medical issue and has been speaking by phone with Senate leaders John Thune and John Barrasso. Conversations covered Senate races, the Graham Platner scandal, and a Supreme Court ruling. A spokesperson confirmed McConnell is receiving 'excellent care' but did not specify his condition.
- Trump uses Mount Rushmore speech to allege ‘mortal threat’ from communism
President Donald Trump delivered a speech at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, alleging a 'resurgence of the communist menace' in the U.S. and warning that communism poses a 'mortal threat' to American liberty. He referenced recent electoral successes of Democratic socialist candidates, including Zohran Mamdani and Darializa Avila Chevalier, and emphasized Republican strategies to pass the SAVE America Act and eliminate the filibuster to secure election victories.
- Trump uses Mount Rushmore speech to allege ‘mortal threat’ from communism
President Donald Trump delivered a speech at Mount RushMore National Memorial, alleging a 'mortal threat' from communism and comparing it to historical events like 9/11. He criticized electoral successes by Democratic socialist candidates without directly linking them to communism and emphasized Republican chances in the 2026 midterms, advocating for the SAVE America Act and ending the filibuster.
- Trump uses Mount Rushmore speech to allege ‘mortal threat’ from communism
President Donald Trump delivered a speech at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3, 2026, alleging that communism poses a 'mortal threat' to American liberty. He referenced recent electoral successes of Democratic socialist candidates and linked the issue to Republican strategies for the November midterms, including passing the SAVE America Act. U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune attended the event but emphasized the unlikelihood of eliminating the filibuster or gaining Democratic support for the legislation.
- Trump uses Mount Rushmore speech to allege ‘mortal threat’ from communism
President Donald Trump delivered a speech at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, alleging a 'resurgence of the communist menace' and comparing it to major historical threats. He criticized Democratic socialist electoral successes and emphasized Republican strategies for the 2026 midterms, including passing the SAVE America Act. The speech occurred during 250th Independence Day celebrations.
- Capitol agenda: The GOP confronts its lost summer
Congress faces a stagnant summer with limited legislative progress before a five-week recess. House Republicans struggle to advance RECON 3.0, face uncertainty over emergency Iran funding, and encounter internal divisions over immigration measures. Key figures like Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledge challenges in meeting pre-midterm goals.
- McConnell was found 'unconscious' in home last month as condition remains unknown
Sen. Mitch McConnell was found unconscious at his Washington, D.C. home on June 14 and hospitalized, with his condition and return to the Senate remaining undisclosed. His office has not provided details, and this incident follows previous hospitalizations and public medical episodes in recent years.
- McConnell was found 'unconscious' in home last month as condition remains unknown
Sen. Mitch McConnell was found unconscious in his Washington, D.C. home on June 14 and hospitalized, with his condition and return to the Senate remaining undisclosed. His spokesperson stated he is working on Senate business during recovery, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted McConnell is following Senate activities. The emergency dispatch revealed an Advanced Life Support response, and the incident was reported by PunchBowl News following audio released by Desirée Townsend.
- Capitol agenda: SAVE America swallows Washington
Speaker Mike Johnson faces challenges in advancing the SAVE America Act, a key election security bill backed by Donald Trump, as hard-liners in the House GOP demand procedural changes to force Senate action. The Supreme Court's decision allowing postmarked mail-in ballots to be counted after Election Day has intensified support for the bill, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated the combined defense and election bill would fail in his chamber.
- Pentagon and elections bills could be combined in bid to unfreeze House floor
Speaker Mike Johnson plans to combine the annual Pentagon policy bill with the GOP elections bill, the SAVE America Act, to advance both through the House. The Senate is expected to reject the combined package, potentially causing a legislative standoff and delaying the defense bill. House conservatives, including Anna Paulina Luna, support merging the bills but oppose a slimmed-down version of the SAVE Act through budget reconciliation.
- US Senate Ethics Committee dismisses complaint against Arizona’s Gallego
The U.S. Senate Ethics Committee dismissed a complaint against Sen. Ruben Gallego, finding no evidence of violations. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna accused Gallego of campaign finance misconduct and inappropriate conduct, which he called right-wing conspiracies. The committee retains authority to revisit the matter if new facts emerge.
- Clarity Act Enters Critical Two-Week Window as Senate Heads Into Recess
The Clarity Act, a major digital asset market structure bill, faces uncertainty as the Senate recesses until July 13. Passage depends on resolving disputes over ethics frameworks for crypto holdings, Section 604 of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, and conflicts in the Agriculture Committee text, with a 60-vote threshold remaining a key hurdle.
- Rick Scott says he’s just trying to help
Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, invited President Donald Trump to address the Senate without Majority Leader John Thune's approval and circulated a letter outlining Senate GOP strategies for the November midterms. Scott denies ambitions to challenge Thune for leadership, stating he is content in his role leading the conservative Steering Committee and predicts Thune will retain his position.
- Galaxy Research Cuts CLARITY Act Passage Odds to 50-50 as Senate Clock Runs Out
Galaxy Research has lowered the CLARITY Act's chances of becoming law in 2026 to 50-50 due to a tight Senate schedule and lack of progress on merging bill texts or scheduling a vote. The act, which aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets, passed the Senate Banking Committee but remains stalled on the legislative calendar.
- Behind the Curtain: The cost of blind loyalty
President Trump trained elected Republicans to obey him despite disagreements, leading to a crisis as Washington nears the end of the GOP's two-year monopoly. Trump's actions include canceling a bipartisan housing bill, demanding the SAVE America Act, and disrupting FISA surveillance renewals, while Republican lawmakers face challenges balancing Trump's demands with Senate rules and political consequences.
- Lunch with ‘mad as a murder hornet’ Trump and US Senate GOP fails to heal divisions
President Donald Trump met with Senate Republicans to address party divisions but the closed-door lunch failed to resolve disagreements over policy goals like a voter identification law and a housing bill. Tensions escalated during discussions about the Iran war, with Senator Bill Cassidy recounting a confrontation with Trump over lack of classified briefings.
- Senate GOP reverses course on Iran war vote after Trump berates them
Senate Republicans reversed their position on an Iran war vote after President Donald Trump criticized them, rejecting a war powers resolution in a late-night vote. The move aimed to appease Trump following a tense exchange where he berated senators, including Bill Cassidy, for opposing his Iran policy.
- Lunch with ‘mad as a murder hornet’ Trump and US Senate GOP fails to heal divisions
President Donald Trump met with Senate Republicans in an attempt to unify the party but left without resolving deep divisions over policy goals like a nationwide voter identification law. Tensions escalated during the closed-door lunch, with Senator Bill Cassidy recounting a confrontation with Trump over Iran war information and the War Powers Resolution, while Trump prioritized his controversial SAVE America Act over a bipartisan housing bill.
- Window shrinks for Congress crypto deal
Congress faces a shrinking window to finalize a bipartisan cryptocurrency oversight deal before midterms, with unresolved issues including restrictions on Trump's digital asset profits and staffing for the SEC and CFTC. Lawmakers aim to address ethics provisions but face challenges in securing Trump's approval and House support.