Senate Majority Leader John Thune fires back at Trump admin’s ambitious spending cuts

John Thune on His Relationship with Trump and Policy Differences

Senate Majority Leader John Thune recently sat down for an exclusive interview with The Post, where he discussed his relationship with President Trump and outlined clear policy differences between the two. Thune, 64, emphasized that he and the president have a good working relationship, describing it as amicable. However, he wasted no time in highlighting disagreements on key policy issues, particularly regarding the president’s ambitious spending cut proposals. Thune specifically criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s call for annual 8% cuts to the U.S. military budget, labeling the idea as unrealistic. He noted that such drastic cuts would face significant pushback from Congress and stressed that achieving goals like Hegseth’s “Iron Dome for America” would require increased spending, not reductions. Thune’s comments underscore the tension between the administration’s fiscal ambitions and the practical realities of governing.

Budget Battles and the Role of Entitlements

Thune also addressed the broader challenge of reducing federal spending, particularly in light of President Trump’s vow to spare popular entitlement programs like Medicaid from the Department of Governmental Efficiency’s chopping block. However, Thune appeared more open to cutting entitlements, acknowledging that achieving significant spending reductions without impacting these programs would be extremely difficult. He pointed out that entitlements, along with interest on the national debt, now account for 73% of the federal budget. Thune expressed skepticism about Elon Musk’s goal of cutting $1 trillion in federal spending through the Department of Governmental Efficiency, stating that such a target would likely require reductions in popular spending programs. Despite these disagreements, Thune described himself as a “big supporter of DOGE” and expressed support for its radical spending cuts, emphasizing the need to explore uncharted territory in addressing the nation’s fiscal challenges.

Foreign Policy Disagreements and International Relations

On the foreign policy front, Thune parted ways with President Trump on several key issues. He disagreed with Trump’s characterization of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator,” stating that he would not use such a label. Thune also contradicted Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine was responsible for starting the war with Russia, demonstrating a more measured approach to the conflict. Additionally, he expressed skepticism about lifting sanctions on Russia, arguing that they were put in place for a reason and are intended to address bad behavior. Thune reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the mutual defense of NATO nations, pushing back against reports that a withdrawal from Eastern Europe was discussed during recent U.S.-Russia negotiations in Riyadh. His comments highlighted his commitment to maintaining a strong and stable international alliance structure, even as tensions with Russia remain high.

Leadership Challenges and Political Dynamics

Thune’s leadership position on Capitol Hill comes with significant challenges, including the looming threat of a government shutdown next month and contentious budget negotiations. The South Dakota Republican expressed a preference for the House Republicans’ budget proposal over the Senate version favored by his own caucus. This stance aligns with President Trump, who endorsed the House plan without prior consultation with Thune. Despite this, Thune downplayed any lingering tensions, saying, “We’ve known all along,” and acknowledging that Trump’s endorsement of the House proposal was not unexpected. Thune’s ability to navigate these complex political dynamics will be crucial as the budget debates intensify. His experience as a Senate leader and his ability to work across the aisle will be tested in the coming weeks.

Thune’s Perspective on Democratic Opposition

Thune’s relationship with his Democratic counterpart, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, is another critical aspect of his leadership role. Thune described Schumer as “a very political creature,” suggesting that Schumer’s decisions are heavily influenced by political considerations. While this characterization is not unusual in the partisan world of Washington, it highlights the challenges Thune faces in negotiating with a Democratic leader who is deeply attuned to the political implications of every move. Thune’s ability to find common ground with Schumer will be essential as the Senate grapples with pressing legislative priorities, including the budget and other key policy initiatives.

A Glimpse into Thune’s Office and His Vision for the Future

Thune’s Capitol Hill office reflects his Republican roots, with paintings of former presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Ronald Reagan adorning the walls. Notably absent is a painting of Trump, though Thune dismissed this as a mere oversight, saying, “We’ll get around to it.” This subtle detail speaks volumes about Thune’s relationship with Trump and his place within the Republican Party. While Thune has managed to maintain a functional relationship with the president, he is clearly charting his own course, both in terms of policy and political strategy. The absence of Trump’s portrait serves as a symbolic reminder of the broader tensions within the GOP, as Thune and other establishment Republicans navigate the challenges of a post-Trump political landscape. As the budget battles and foreign policy debates intensify, Thune’s leadership will be closely watched, both in Washington and across the nation.