Senate Republicans Push Forward with Trump’s Cabinet Confirmations
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has been steering the Senate for six weeks, and in that time, he has made it clear that confirming President Trump’s nominees is a top priority. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Thune emphasized the unity of Senate Republicans in moving the confirmation process forward at an unprecedented pace.
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Thune pointed to the recent confirmation of Brooke Rollins as Secretary of Agriculture, marking the 16th Trump nominee approved by the Senate. By comparison, only 11 Cabinet nominees had been approved at this point in Trump’s first term and just seven during Biden’s tenure.
Among the most controversial confirmations were former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, both of whom passed on near party-line votes. With the GOP holding a 53-47 Senate majority, Thune believes the confirmations demonstrate a strong, united Republican front.
A Constructive Relationship Between Thune and Trump
Despite past differences with the former president, Thune has maintained regular communication with Trump, meeting in person, over the phone, and through text messages. The South Dakota Republican emphasized that both he and Trump share the same goals and are committed to making the most of their time in office.
“What you try and do is just try and make the people around you better,” Thune said, crediting his father’s coaching advice to “make the extra pass if somebody’s got a better shot.” This leadership approach has helped unify Senate Republicans and move key legislative initiatives forward.
Thune acknowledged that he and Trump have had disagreements in the past but emphasized the importance of working together. “Right now, we understand the things we want to get done and the opportunity we have,” he said. “With unified control of the government, we need to maximize that, and in order to do so, we must maintain a constructive relationship with open communication.”
Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, right, speaks to reporters, Feb. 11, 2025, after a Senate policy luncheon on Capitol Hill. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Challenges Ahead for Thune and the Senate
While confirming Trump’s Cabinet nominees has been a primary focus, Thune is also pushing forward on major legislative efforts. One of the most notable achievements has been the swift passage of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates federal immigration authorities detain illegal immigrants convicted of theft-related crimes. The legislation, named after a nursing student tragically killed by an illegal immigrant, garnered bipartisan support while further solidifying Republican unity.
Thune also criticized his predecessor, former Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, for inefficiencies in Senate proceedings. Under Schumer, “the floor would get bogged down,” Thune argued, adding that Republicans are now working to restore efficiency and keep the Senate operating on a regular schedule.
As he continues leading the Senate, Thune remains focused on ensuring Trump’s agenda moves forward. “I feel good about how it’s gone so far, but we’ve got some really hard sledding ahead,” he admitted. With more nominees to confirm and key legislation on the horizon, Thune and Senate Republicans will need to maintain their momentum.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasizes unity among Republicans as they push forward with Trump’s Cabinet confirmations and legislative agenda, with major legislative battles ahead.
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