President Donald Trump on Monday called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to keep the Senate in session until it passes the SAVE America Act or, alternatively, to end the legislative filibuster requiring 60 votes to advance most legislation.
Trump made the appeal on the social media platform Truth Social, urging Thune not to allow the Senate to adjourn before approving the bill. He emphasized that ending the filibuster would enable Republicans to swiftly enact their agenda. “Whichever Party Terminates the Filibuster FIRST will be the Party that survives and thrives,” Trump wrote, warning that a Democratic victory would lead to a decline in the country’s status.
On Air Force One en route to Michigan for an event, Trump reiterated the pressure on Thune to act. “He’s just got to get his job done. You got to get the SAVE America Act passed, or better than that would be the filibuster. If you terminate the filibuster, everything happens,” the president said. However, when asked about the possibility of replacing Thune as top Senate Republican, Trump dismissed the idea, saying he had not considered it.
The exchange follows heightened tensions between Trump and Thune regarding the voting reform legislation, which would require proof of citizenship before voter registration and photo identification at the polls. The bill remains controversial, and Thune has stated repeatedly that Republicans lack the votes to advance it through the standard legislative process.
Thune pushed back against criticisms from Trump and the White House, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying last week that Trump’s “patience is running out.” The majority leader responded by noting that securing the necessary 50 votes in the Senate would require someone to “get on the phone and get the votes,” highlighting the procedural challenges.
The Senate is in its final two weeks before an extended August recess, with lawmakers returning September 14. Thune has also expressed a desire to avoid a government shutdown amid ongoing budget negotiations. The current funding authorization expires September 30, and a stopgap bill passed by the House would extend government funding through December 4. Some Senate Republicans are considering attaching the SAVE America Act to the budget resolution.
In addition to the voting legislation, Republicans aim to pass a sanctions bill against Russia, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died July 11. Graham’s funeral services are scheduled for this week.
Thune has cautioned that many senators support retaining the filibuster as a key legislative tool, particularly for the minority party. With midterm elections approaching in November, Republican leaders are balancing efforts to advance their policy priorities with maintaining broader Senate consensus and avoiding disruptive government shutdowns.