Trump's Patience with Thune Wanes Over Stalled SAVE Act

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump's 'patience is running out' with Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the stalled SAVE America Act, a voting rights bill requiring proof of citizenship to register. The legislation has failed to secure the 60 votes needed to overcome a Senate filibuster, with some Republicans opposed and Democrats united against it.

The Escalating Spat

At a Georgia rally, Trump urged supporters to pressure Thune, calling the Senate "a place that you send things when you want them to die." Leavitt echoed that sentiment Thursday, saying Trump wants as much of the bill passed as possible before the August recess. Source: CNN

Thune pushed back, arguing the White House should focus on persuading Democrats and potentially gettable Republicans. "Instead of pointing the finger at Republicans, they might think about going after the people who are stopping it on the floor, which is the Democrats," he said. Source: CNN

The Filibuster Divide

• Thune has repeatedly said the bill lacks sufficient support, and eliminating the filibuster would require 50 votes – but more than half the GOP conference opposes that step. Source: CNN
• Sen. John Kennedy defended Thune, stating there is no discussion of replacing him and that Thune supports the bill but cannot sway holdouts. Source: CNN

The standoff highlights deepening intra-party tensions as the White House pushes for legislative wins ahead of the recess.