John Thune's election as Senate majority leader signals a reluctant alignment with Trump, reflecting an ongoing tension where GOP senators privately resist Trump's influence despite public support.
Thune, who previously criticized Trump's response to the Capitol riot, now faces the challenge of balancing his leadership role with the demands of a Trump-leaning Republican conference.
The GOP's confidence in Thune suggests a strategic move to both acknowledge Trump's clout and safeguard Republican interests, as seen in the rejection of Rick Scott, Trump's favored candidate.
Immediate challenges for Thune will include navigating nominations from Trump, testing the commitment of GOP senators who previously distanced themselves from the former president's controversial actions.
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