John Thune, a seasoned South Dakota Senator and candidate for Senate Majority Leader, discusses his vision for a collaborative approach to advance President-elect Trump's agenda. Morgan Ortagus, former State Department spokesperson and founder of Polaris National Security, sheds light on Iran's longstanding hostilities towards Trump and the urgent need for a strong U.S. response. They analyze the implications of recent threats from Iran and highlight the Republican Party's potential for significant legislative changes under new leadership.
The Republican senators are strategically preparing for a new leadership transition under President-elect Trump, emphasizing collaborative efforts to push their legislative agenda forward.
With a shift towards a more aggressive foreign policy, the new GOP majority aims to bolster U.S. interests, particularly regarding Iran and international conflicts.
Deep dives
Leadership Transition in the Republican Senate
Republican senators are preparing for a leadership transition as Mitch McConnell steps aside, prompting discussions about who will succeed him. Jon Thune, one of the leading candidates, emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to achieve legislative victories under President-elect Trump. He believes that maintaining strong relationships with colleagues will be essential for the new leadership to carry out their agenda effectively. This shift comes at a time when the GOP is poised to take a more assertive role in shaping national policies following their significant electoral success.
Trump's Mandate and Legislative Priorities
The recent elections have been framed as a clear mandate for President Trump and the Republican Congress to reverse the previous administration's policies. The GOP secured seats across nearly all demographics, positioning them to pursue an agenda that includes immigration reform, tax cuts, and deregulation. Thune highlights the importance of confirming Trump's cabinet swiftly to ensure they can implement these initiatives. This new majority allows Republicans to effectively challenge the Biden-Harris agenda, which they aim to dismantle while promoting policies that resonate with voters.
Collaboration and Teamwork in Republican Leadership
The upcoming leadership elections hinge on the ability of Republican senators to work together, regardless of who emerges as the new leader. Thune advocates for a team-oriented approach that empowers all senators to engage meaningfully in committee work and advance their legislative goals. He aims to foster an environment where members can collaborate on important issues, ensuring a united front in implementing Trump's policies efficiently. This approach is seen as necessary not only for achieving legislative success but also for maintaining party cohesion.
Foreign Policy Under a Trump Administration
Trump's foreign policy is expected to shift towards a more aggressive stance, particularly concerning Iran and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Thune and other Republicans stress the need for strength in negotiations to secure peace and protect U.S. interests abroad. The planned policy will involve clear communication of American resolve to adversaries, a departure from perceived weaknesses of the current administration. This proactive stance may influence negotiations and shape international relations more favorably for the U.S. following the new administration's arrival.
Tomorrow, Republican Senators will determine who will lead them when the GOP becomes the majority party in January. The three contenders are Senators John Thune from South Dakota, John Cornyn from Texas, and Rick Scott from Florida. President-elect Trump has yet to reveal his preferred candidate, with many hoping he will keep from influencing this contest. Senator John Thune (R-SD) joins the Rundown to discuss his candidacy for Senate Majority Leader and what he thinks his party can accomplish after all its success in last week's election.
Last week, federal prosecutors announced charges in a thwarted plot from the Iranian government to assassinate Donald Trump before Election Day. The IRGC is denying these charges; however, many in the intelligence community can confirm that Iran’s targeting of the President-elect and those in his administration has been a problem since 2020. So how will President-elect Trump deal with Iran when he takes office? Former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus explains the Iranian government's longstanding hostilities towards Trump and how a Trump White House would come down harder on Iran by enforcing sanctions.