Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R‑S.D.) accused Senate Democrats of unprecedented obstruction in blocking President Trump‘s civilian nominees. Thune said no GOP nominee has been confirmed by unanimous consent or voice vote, a first in presidential history. Democrats are delaying, obstructing, and blocking confirmations at nearly every procedural stage, he said during a radio interview.
Thune emphasized the scale of Republican success despite Democratic opposition. The Senate has confirmed 107 civilian nominees in less than seven months, nearly double the pace of Trump’s first term, and conducted 437 roll‑call votes—more than any Congress in over three decades.
Thune acknowledged President Trump’s frustration and said the GOP will continue to confirm nominees, even if it means working into August recess. He declared, “we’re going to just grind them down”—referring to Democrats’ resistance—and warned of the precedent Democrats are setting.
Some Senate Republicans are pushing back against calls to cancel the August recess, but Thune is exploring compromise options including working into early August. The internal tension reflects pressure from Trump’s camp and rank-and-file GOP members who value their traditional August district work.
The legislative process remains intense. Democrats oppose unanimous consent even for uncontroversial nominees, forcing full hearings and roll-call votes where traditionally no opposition existed. Thune and GOP leaders argue it undermines Senate tradition and sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
This standoff highlights internal Republican debate over how aggressively to fill administration posts while preserving Senate norms. Thune continues to uphold procedural rigor while advancing Trump’s agenda, even amid partisan gridlock.
