Trump Urges Thune to Remove Senate Parliamentarian to Pass SAVE America Act
Trump calls on Thune to fire – On Monday, President Donald Trump intensified his campaign against Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, directing his call to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to “swiftly replace” the official who, according to the president, has been a significant hindrance to Republican legislative goals. The demand comes amid ongoing efforts to advance the SAVE America Act, a proposal that seeks to impose stricter voting requirements across the United States.
The SAVE America Act and Budget Rules
The SAVE America Act, which stands for “Secure, Affordable, Verified Elections Act,” aims to mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration and the use of photo identification when casting ballots. These measures are intended to reduce voter fraud and ensure the integrity of elections. However, the act has faced resistance from the Senate’s internal rules, specifically the Byrd Rule, which governs the inclusion of non-budgetary provisions in reconciliation packages. Such packages can bypass the filibuster and secure passage with a simple majority.
Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate’s parliamentarian, has ruled that the SAVE America Act does not meet the Byrd Rule’s criteria. Her decision effectively blocks the legislation from being incorporated into a budget measure, which could otherwise streamline its approval. This ruling has drawn sharp criticism from Trump, who has repeatedly accused her of obstructing Republican priorities.
“Senate Majority Leader John Thune should promptly replace the parliamentarian, who has been treating Republicans and their principles with disdain,” Trump stated on Truth Social. “She has been a major roadblock for our efforts to implement the SAVE America Act.”
In a recent post, the president highlighted a specific instance where MacDonough’s interpretation of the rules created a hurdle. He noted that the parliamentarian had rejected a provision that would have easily passed under different circumstances. “Just the other night, she ruled against us on a proposal that should have been approved by anyone else,” Trump added, emphasizing her role as an obstacle.
MacDonough’s opposition has forced key Republican senators to seek additional votes. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), both close allies of Trump, had to request a waiver of the budgetary objections to include the SAVE America Act in the reconciliation package. This process required a supermajority of 60 senators, adding complexity to the passage of the bill.
Republican Resistance and Leadership Dynamics
Despite Trump’s demands, some Republicans have shown reluctance to challenge MacDonough. When Graham initially proposed suspending the budget rules, four members of the Senate—Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)—voted against the motion. Their opposition underscores the internal divisions within the Republican caucus over procedural changes.
Thune, who has been a consistent defender of the parliamentarian, has previously dismissed Trump’s criticisms as exaggerated. The majority leader argued that firing MacDonough would complicate Senate operations, as the position is crucial for maintaining procedural order. “He [Trump] believes she’s a threat, but removing her would create even more challenges for us,” Thune said, highlighting concerns about stability in the chamber.
Thune’s stance is rooted in the broader context of Senate governance. The upper chamber, unlike the House, grants the minority party more power through its filibuster rules. This structure means that changes to the parliamentarian’s role could ripple through the legislative process, affecting not only the SAVE America Act but other bills as well.
Historical Context and Political Allegiances
Trump’s frustration with MacDonough extends beyond her recent rulings. The president has pointed to her appointment by then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) in 2012, during the Obama administration, as evidence of her partisan alignment. “She was placed in her role by Harry Reid and Barack Hussein Obama,” Trump wrote, implying that her tenure was a product of Democratic dominance.
He further criticized former Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), suggesting that McConnell’s decision to retain MacDonough after Republicans gained control in 2014 was a betrayal of his own party. “Mitch McConnell has allowed a holdover from the Obama era to remain in power,” Trump claimed, framing the issue as a loyalty test for Republican leaders.
MacDonough’s role in the Senate has also been a focal point in Trump’s broader narrative about procedural fairness. The president has accused her of bias, arguing that her rulings favor Democrats over Republicans. “She is a nasty holdover from the Obama administration, and a man who has proven to be very disloyal to John Thune,” Trump wrote, using the term “Dumocrats” to describe Democrats.
The Push for Immediate Action
Trump’s Monday post was part of a larger push to expedite the SAVE America Act’s passage. He framed the act as a vital measure to secure American democracy, emphasizing its importance in preventing fraudulent voting practices. “We need the SAVE America Act passed, and NOW,” he declared, suggesting that the current parliamentarian is holding up progress.
The president’s frustration with MacDonough’s rulings has been a recurring theme. In May, he had already criticized her as a major obstacle, stating that her presence in the Senate was delaying key initiatives. “The Dumocrats cheat, lie, and steal, especially when it comes to Votes in Elections,” Trump wrote, contrasting Democratic tactics with Republican discipline.
Thune, however, remains steadfast in his support for the parliamentarian. He argued that the move to fire her would not only complicate Senate procedures but also risk alienating moderate Republicans. “That’s his [Trump’s] opinion, but it would create even more issues here if we were to try something like that,” Thune said, defending the current system.
Political Implications and Future Outlook
The debate over MacDonough’s role highlights the tension between procedural efficiency and partisan control in the Senate. While Trump sees her as a barrier to passing his agenda, Thune and other Republicans view her as a necessary figure to uphold Senate traditions. This dynamic is likely to shape future legislative battles, as the party continues to grapple with its strategy in the face of strict procedural rules.
The SAVE America Act’s fate hinges on the ability of Senate Republicans to navigate these challenges. With the president pushing for immediate action and leaders like Thune advocating for patience, the path to passage remains uncertain. The resolution of this conflict could set a precedent for how the Senate handles similar legislation in the coming months.
