Trump calls on Thune to fire Senate parliamentarian to pass SAVE America Act
President Trump on Monday called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to “immediately fire” Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough to clear the way for Senate Republicans to pass the SA…
President Trump on Monday called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to “immediately fire” Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough to cl
Read Full Story at The Hill →Why This Matters
Trump’s demand to remove the Senate parliamentarian underscores a growing GOP willingness to dismantle institutional guardrails when they obstruct policy priorities. It signals a shift toward using raw political power to override procedural norms, potentially normalizing future challenges to independent Senate oversight. The move also tests whether Senate Republicans—many of whom privately resist such tactics—will prioritize party loyalty over institutional stability.
Background Context
The Senate parliamentarian, a nonpartisan referee for procedural questions, has frustrated Republican legislative goals for decades by blocking or rewriting provisions in bills that violate Senate rules. MacDonough, the first woman to hold the role, has repeatedly rejected GOP attempts to attach partisan priorities to must-pass legislation, including past versions of the SAVE Act. Her role has become a lightning rod for conservatives who argue her rulings are ideologically driven rather than impartial.
What Happens Next
If Thune complies, it would set a precedent for future parliamentarians to be treated as expendable, eroding the chamber’s long-standing tradition of nonpartisan adjudication. A refusal could fracture the GOP caucus, with hardliners accusing moderates of betraying Trump’s agenda. Meanwhile, Democrats may seize on the move to argue Republicans are abandoning democratic norms, potentially energizing their base ahead of November.
Bigger Picture
This episode reflects a broader erosion of institutional trust in Washington, where even traditionally sacrosanct roles are weaponized for short-term political gain. It also highlights how Trump’s influence has reshaped Republican priorities, elevating loyalty to the former president over long-held party principles like limited government and institutional respect. The episode may foreshadow further confrontations over Senate rules if Republicans regain full control in 2025.
