Trump and Thune share friendly greeting despite recent clashes
President Donald Trump adn Senate Majority Leader John Thune exchanged amiable greetings as Trump arrived at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to deliver remarks at Mount Rushmore on Independence Day. Despite recent tensions over the Senate’s failure to pass the SAVE America Act and Trump’s decision to cancel a bipartisan housing bill signing ceremony, Thune expressed optimism about working together and looked forward to celebrating at Mount Rushmore, which features fireworks and offers a notable backdrop for festivities. The White House emphasized the strong working relationship between Trump and thune, highlighting their collaboration on judicial nominations and legislation. Thune also voiced hope that Trump would eventually sign the housing bill he previously rescinded. as the 2026 midterm elections unfold, Trump has succeeded in ousting some critics and consolidating support within the Republican Party, with Thune maintaining his Senate seat until 2029.
President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) exchanged friendly greetings as the president exited Air Force One to deliver remarks at Mount Rushmore on the eve of Independence Day.
The president and Thune have shared a tense relationship in recent weeks over the Senate’s failure to pass the SAVE America Act. Pressure mounted when Trump axed a signing ceremony for a bipartisan housing bill in late June in an attempt to pressure Senate Republicans into passing the SAVE Act.
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Despite friction between Trump and Thune, the Senate leader said he was looking forward to joining the president on Friday.
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“There is no place I’d rather celebrate America’s 250th birthday than in South Dakota,” Thune wrote in a statement. Fireworks are back at Mount Rushmore, and you can’t beat our state’s iconic monument, the Black Hills, and a clear South Dakota sky as a backdrop for a celebration like this. I’m looking forward to joining President Trump there to celebrate our great country.”
The White House has minimized any unease between Trump and the Senate leader, telling the Washington Examiner that Trump has “enjoyed working closely with Leader Thune and Senate Republicans to deliver on many important promises to the American people.”
“We look forward to continuing these close relationships and fulfilling President Trump’s priorities that Americans elected him to enact,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said, highlighting Trump and Thune’s collaboration on nominee confirmations and passing key legislation such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last summer and the Secure America Act, which funds border security.
At the same time, Thune has expressed some frustration with Trump’s decision not to sign the bipartisan housing bill.
Trump and Thune look for reset at Mount Rushmore
“I think it’s a big win, and I hope eventually he’ll find his way to sign it,” Thune told the Washington Examiner moments after Trump scrapped the signing ceremony.
As the 2026 midterm elections unfold, Trump has successfully ousted Republican critics in both chambers of the legislative branch. Others, including Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), opted to step down rather than face a Trump-backed challenger. Thune will hold his seat in the high chamber until 2029.
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