Thune Taps GOP Allies for Key Roles in Trump’s Senate Agenda

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Republican Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has selected four top GOP allies to join his informal leadership team as he prepares to advance President-elect Donald Trump‘s agenda in the upper chamber. Thune, who recently succeeded longtime GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has tapped Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Steve Daines, R-Mont., Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, to advise him and participate in key leadership meetings.

Thune’s move mirrors McConnell’s approach, as the former leader also relied on a handpicked group of senators for strategic guidance. McConnell’s team included Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Katie Britt, R-Ala., Thom Tillis, R-N.C., Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Deb Fischer, R-Neb. Thune’s selections bring diverse strengths to the table, with each senator offering unique expertise and connections to Trump’s inner circle.

Blackburn, a staunch Trump ally, is expected to bridge gaps between the Senate leadership and the conservative wing of the party. “My role helping Leader Thune will be to move forward the President’s nominees and ensure we are championing the President’s agenda in the Senate to Make America Great Again,” Blackburn told Fox News Digital.

Daines, who recently chaired the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), brings a strong relationship with Trump and expertise in tax policy as a member of the Senate Finance Committee. “Senate Republicans are ready to get to work enacting President Trump’s agenda of a secure border, lower taxes, safe cities, lower prices, affordable gas, an end to reckless spending, and strong national security,” Daines said in a statement.

Mullin, a key Trump surrogate during the 2024 campaign, will serve as a liaison between the Senate, House, and the incoming administration. “It’s an honor to be included at Senator Thune’s leadership table,” Mullin said. “Leader Thune is the right person to lead the Senate effort to implement President Donald J. Trump’s America First agenda.”

Cornyn, a 22-year Senate veteran, brings institutional knowledge and a focus on fiscal responsibility. He emphasized the importance of the budget reconciliation process in recent floor remarks, stating, “We have an opportunity to pass huge wins for President Trump and more specifically, for the American people.”

Thune’s leadership team will play a critical role in shaping the Republican agenda during Trump’s first 100 days in office, with priorities including tax reform, border security, and national defense. The group’s diverse backgrounds and connections to Trump’s base position them to navigate the challenges of a closely divided Senate.