Trump Says Ties With Thune Intact Despite SAVE Act Clash

President Donald Trump said Monday that his relationship with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., remains strong despite publicly criticizing the Republican leader over the Senate’s failure to advance the SAVE America Act. Speaking to reporters, Trump described his relationship with Thune as “fine,” but added that the Senate leader “just has to get his job done,” renewing his call for lawmakers to pass the voter identification measure.

Earlier in the day, Trump intensified pressure on Thune by urging him not to allow the Senate to begin its scheduled August recess until the SAVE America Act is approved. In a Truth Social post, Trump argued that the Senate should remain in session until lawmakers either pass the legislation or, preferably, eliminate the filibuster to clear the way for its passage.

Trump also sharply criticized the current Senate leadership, saying Democrats had benefited from it and writing, “Remember, stupidity always brings LOSING & DEATH!” His comments marked one of his strongest public attacks on Thune as disagreements over the voter ID proposal continue to grow.

The SAVE America Act would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. The measure has stalled in the Senate because it would need Democratic support to overcome the chamber’s 60-vote filibuster threshold, a scenario considered highly unlikely. Likewise, changing Senate rules to eliminate the filibuster would also require 60 votes.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, has urged the Senate to hold a roll call vote to block the planned August recess until the SAVE America Act is passed. The Senate is currently scheduled to begin its recess around Aug. 7 and return on Sept. 14.

Last week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s “patience is running out” with Thune over the legislation, adding that the president wants to see as much of the SAVE America Act enacted as possible before lawmakers leave Washington for the August break.

Thune responded by saying Democrats—not Republicans—were preventing the bill from advancing. He also suggested the White House should work to persuade Republican senators who have opposed the measure, including Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

The latest disagreement adds to a series of recent policy disputes between Trump and Thune. Senate Republicans have diverged from Trump’s position on several issues, including his ballroom project, the now-defunct anti-weaponization fund, the appointment of Bill Pulte as interim director of national intelligence, and Trump’s endorsement of Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in a primary contest. Thune has also declined Trump’s calls to remove Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough following rulings the president opposed. In July 2026, Trump also refused to sign the bipartisan 21st Century Road to Housing Act because the Senate had not passed the SAVE America Act. Without his signature or a formal veto, the legislation automatically became law.