Senior Republican Endorses Trump Despite Previous Criticism
TL/DR –
John Thune, the second-highest ranking Republican in the US Senate, has endorsed Donald Trump for president, despite previously condemning Trump’s actions leading up to the 2021 US Capitol attack. Thune’s endorsement comes as Trump continues to dominate primary votes, most recently defeating his only remaining opponent, Nikki Haley, in South Carolina. Despite facing multiple legal issues and criminal charges, Trump’s electoral dominance has led to growing concern among observers about the threat to democracy.
US Senate’s Thune Endorses Trump for Presidential Race
US Senator John Thune, the second-ranking Republican, endorsed former president Donald Trump, despite earlier criticizing Trump for the January 6 attack on Congress and attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
Thune’s endorsement was widely reported by media outlets, alongside his previous statements condemning Trump’s actions in the 2021 Capitol attack. This event led to nine deaths, more than 1,200 arrests, and numerous convictions for seditious conspiracy.
Thune acquitted Trump in his impeachment trial and voted against barring him from office, despite stating the former president’s undermining of the democratic process was “inexcusable”. He emphasized his trust in American democracy, a sentiment increasingly challenged as Trump edges closer to the Republican nomination.
The ex-president continues to dominate primary votes, with a recent victory in South Carolina over former governor Nikki Haley. Following this, the influential Koch network withdrew financial support from Haley’s campaign, deciding to focus on congressional races instead.
Trump’s lead persists despite facing multiple criminal charges and civil judgments, raising concerns about his electability among senior Republicans.
Thune previously endorsed Tim Scott, a South Carolina senator speculated to be Trump’s Vice Presidential nominee. Despite past disagreements, Thune affirmed his support for Trump in the upcoming election and his commitment to a Republican majority in the Senate.
Thune’s endorsement of Donald Trump was first reported by Fox News.
He stated the election choice is clear-cut between Trump and Joe Biden. He concluded by criticizing Democratic Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and Biden’s governance, emphasizing the need for change in leadership.
Of the three senior Republicans considered potential successors to Senate party leader Mitch McConnell, Thune is the last to back Trump, following John Barrasso of Wyoming and John Cornyn of Texas.
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