Fast-Tracking Trump’s Agenda with John Thune

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary

Episode: Fast-Tracking Trump’s Agenda with John Thune
Release Date: May 4, 2025
Host: Georgia Howe & John Bickley
Guest: Senate Majority Leader John Thune
Correspondent: Mary Margaret Olihan

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Introduction

In this episode of Morning Wire, Daily Wire White House correspondent Mary Margaret Olihan interviews Senate Majority Leader John Thune to discuss the concerted efforts of Senate Republicans in advancing President Trump’s agenda. The conversation delves into the strategies employed to reshape the federal government, the challenges faced, and the legislative priorities set to transform various facets of American governance.

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First 100 Days of the Trump Administration

Mary Margaret Olihan opens the discussion by highlighting the significant accomplishments of the Trump administration in its initial 100 days. Senator Thune praises President Trump's leadership style, emphasizing its focus on tangible problem-solving compared to the previous administration.

Mary Margaret Olihan [00:17]: “I think it’s been an incredibly successful, eventful and consequential first hundred days.”

Senator Thune echoes this sentiment, noting the immediate actions taken to address critical issues such as border security, which led to a dramatic decrease in illegal crossings.

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Senate’s Role in Executing the Agenda

The conversation shifts to the Senate’s pivotal role in supporting the administration’s objectives. Thune underscores the importance of the Senate’s confirmation power, which has been instrumental in rapidly appointing key executive and judicial officials.

Senator John Thune [02:36]: “We confirmed his Cabinet at the fastest rate in 20 years... we’re here, we’re doing the work.”

Thune also highlights the Senate's extended sessions and increased voting activity as indicators of the Senate’s active engagement in fulfilling the administration’s agenda.

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Overcoming Obstacles in Confirmations

Addressing the challenges in the confirmation process, Thune explains the strategic maneuvers employed to secure the necessary votes, often leveraging the Vice President’s role as the tie-breaker.

Senator John Thune [03:57]: “We had to make sure that we had at least 50 of them... and we had that circumstance a couple of times.”

He credits Vice President Vance's proactive involvement in facilitating confirmations, enhancing cooperation among Republican senators.

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Legislative Priorities: National Security, Economy, and Border Security

Senator Thune outlines the administration’s core legislative priorities, emphasizing national security as the foundation upon which other policies are built. He emphasizes the administration's commitment to rebuilding the military, achieving energy independence, and implementing tax relief measures.

Senator John Thune [06:08]: “If you don't get national security right, the rest is conversation.”

Thune also elaborates on the comprehensive approach to border security, linking it directly to national safety and economic stability.

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Challenges from the Far Left and Democratic Opposition

A significant portion of the discussion addresses the resistance faced from far-left Democrats, who Thune describes as obstructive and out of touch with mainstream American values.

Senator John Thune [08:56]: “They represent a small minority of the American population... they're making everything very hard in the Senate.”

Thune criticizes the Democrats’ use of the filibuster to block legislation, arguing that such tactics hinder progress on essential national issues.

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Repealing Biden-Era Regulations

The conversation turns to the administration's efforts to eliminate burdensome regulations instituted during the Biden administration. Utilizing the Congressional Review Act, Republicans in the Senate have systematically repealed numerous regulations impacting energy production and economic activities.

Senator John Thune [10:57]: “We are in a systematic way just going in and repealing a lot of these, these crazy regulations... they make it more expensive and harder to do business in America.”

This strategy aims to reduce inflationary pressures and foster a more favorable environment for business operations.

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Agency Overhaul: FBI, DOJ, and Other Institutions

Senator Thune discusses the administration's initiative to remove ineffective or partisan actors from key institutions such as the FBI and Department of Justice. By confirming qualified individuals aligned with the administration’s values, the Senate ensures these agencies function effectively and support national security objectives.

Senator John Thune [12:36]: “We’ve helped him get the right people into those positions that he wanted to see, filling those positions.”

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Border Security Investments

Highlighting the upcoming reconciliation bill, Thune emphasizes the significant investments planned for border security. This includes increasing the number of border agents and enhancing infrastructure to sustain the administration’s policies.

Senator John Thune [13:38]: “There will be a generational investment in border security... we will work with him through reconciliation to see that he has the number of border agents.”

Thune cites a 94% reduction in illegal border crossings as evidence of the administration's effective policies thus far.

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Looking Ahead: Goals for the Next 100 Days

In concluding the interview, Senator Thune shares his optimistic outlook for the next phase of the administration’s agenda. While cautious about setting specific deadlines, he expresses confidence in the Senate’s ability to pass comprehensive legislation that addresses national security, economic prosperity, and regulatory reform.

Senator John Thune [14:43]: “As we work through that process, our goal is to get this on the president's desk as soon as possible.”

He anticipates tangible progress within the next hundred days, aligning with the administration’s long-term objectives to benefit the American populace.

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Conclusion

The episode provides an in-depth look at Senate Republicans' strategic maneuvers to support and advance President Trump’s agenda. Through rapid confirmations, legislative initiatives targeting key areas like national security and the economy, and overcoming partisan obstacles, the Senate under John Thune strives to implement policies aimed at strengthening America. This collaborative effort underscores a commitment to addressing the nation’s pressing challenges and fostering a prosperous future for its citizens.

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Morning Wire podcast episode featuring Senator John Thune. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

Senate Republicans have been working with President Trump to reshape the federal government, fast tracking his appointees and moving to lock in his tax cuts with the big, beautiful budget bill. Heading up the effort is Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota.

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Daily Wire White House correspondent Mary Margaret Olihan recently sat down with Leader Thune to discuss what actions Senate Republicans are taking on everything from the economy to illegal immigration and national security. For this episode, we bring you that full interview.

[Georgia Howe]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley. It's Sunday, May 4th, and this is a weekend edition of Morning Wire.

[John Bickley]

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[John Thune]

Well, Leader Thune, we're so glad to sit down with you today. Can you share with us of these first 100 days of the Trump administration, how are you feeling about where our country is at?

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Well, I think the president has brought a brand new style of leadership that actually focuses on fixing problems that our country has, which is a refreshing relief after the last four years of the Biden administration. And you can start obviously with the Biden border policy and how the open border policy, the previous administration had created so many problems for our country. And so when Trump came in, he immediately took leadership on that issue. And you've seen in dramatic, and I say dramatic, hugely consequential drop in the number of people coming across the border illegally. So I think it's been an incredibly successful, eventful and consequential first hundred days. And I'm looking forward to what's ahead. I think that the president's agenda is the one the American people wants to see accomplished. They want us to be good partners with him. And I think in the end, if we can succeed on the things the president campaigned on, the American people voted for, they're going to want to continue to see Republicans in majorities in the House and the Senate and a Republican in the White House.

[John Thune]

Right. And what role do you think the Senate has played in these 101st days that you believe are so successful?

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Well, I think, you know, as you know, the Senate under the Constitution has the power of confirmation. And so there are a lot of all the executive branch nominees. The President's nominees for cabinet level positions all come to the United States center for Confirmation. So people don't realize this, but the Senate spends about two thirds of its time on personnel, because in addition to all the executive branch positions, which there are about 1100, then you've got all the judiciary, all the judges on top of that. So I think getting his team in place, helping move quickly, we confirmed his Cabinet at the fastest rate in 20 years. We kept the Senate in session for 10 consecutive weeks for the first time in 15 years. And we hit 200 votes in the Senate for the first time at this point, going back to the Reagan administration. So we're here, we're doing the work. There's a lot more to do. And obviously making sure that all those key positions are filled in the administration is a big part of that. But then we've got to start delivering on the legislative agenda. And that's where you get into energy independence. It's where you get into rebuilding the military, securing the border, providing tax relief for the American people and reducing spending and getting our country on a more sustainable fiscal path. Those are the things that the President campaigned on and we need to deliver on for the American people.

[John Thune]

Now let's talk more about those Senate confirmations. What would you say, or who would you say was the biggest obstacle to get some of those nominees through?

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Well, you know, it depended on the nominee. There were different. We had different issues and individuals that we were working with. But in the end, in the Senate, and fortunately on the executive calendar, these nominations are at 51 votes in the Senate. Most consequential legislation in The Senate takes 60. But at 51, we just had to make sure that we had, you know, we had 53 Republicans. We had to have at least 50 of them. And then with Vice President Vance in the chair, we can get to 51. And we had that circumstance a couple of times, at least on a couple of the nominees. So, but each one was slightly different, had different things that they were responding to. But at the end of the day, we got them all in. And I think it's important in any administration when a president wins an election, especially as decisively as President Trump won this last election in November, they deserve a lot of deference when it comes to the people that they want in those various agencies and departments delivering on his agenda. So we worked to get them all through. And, you know, knock on wood, so far been very successful with that. We got a long ways to go.

[John Thune]

Right. And I know President Trump and Vice President Vance even made some calls to help with those nominations. How helpful was that?

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Well, the vice president was great. I mean, he talked on several times. We had, we had strategies on each of these and people that, you know, some of our senators needed to hear from. And Vice President Vance was, was very helpful in making calls and I think developed a high level of trust and confidence with Republican senators. And obviously he had been here and knew a lot of them to start with, which is, was an advantage. But I also think that he was very committed to helping the president get these folks confirmed and was willing to do whatever we needed him to do. And so there were, you know, a number of times where we had him engaging in conversations. We had other senators talking to senators. And of course, the, the president, at the end of the day, ultimately is the person who is most influential in, in trying to get folks to support and vote for his agenda. And so, as you said, it was team effort. And, you know, we're all kind of, I guess, part of that team.

[John Thune]

Right. And in your view, what is the most important issue that the Senate should be backing the president on right now?

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Well, I think right now the big reconciliation bill that we're in the process of moving and hopefully will move in the next several weeks is going to be really key to the president's agenda. I mean, if you look at all the things he campaigned on, and I always put, I think there is no if you don't get national security right, the rest is conversation. So I think the president's agenda on national security is important. There wasn't a single year in the Biden administration where their commitment to the military kept up even with the rate of inflation. So we've fallen behind in a lot of areas. And President Trump recognizes that, recognizes that we live in a dangerous world and we've got to be able to defend America and American interests. And so that's a priority. And the border security, I would argue, is right up there with that because that's also, in my view, a national security issue. And then I think on the economy, it's getting rid of burdensome Biden regulations, extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts, and then creating an energy policy that makes America energy dominant. I think those are all issues that feed into a strong economy that creates better paying jobs and makes the lives of Americans more prosperous, so multifaceted. And I think the president too, just taking control of what I would call an out of control ideological woke agenda that the Biden administration had implemented and bringing just kind of old fashioned common sense back to our government. I think he's restored that. I think the American people welcome that the far left doesn't. And they're going to be very loud and very vocal and they're making everything very hard in the Senate. I mean, we've got nothing is easy these days because they are blocking and obstructing and delaying the things that we're trying to get done here. But I think they represent a small minority of the American population. I think the majority of Americans are glad that we've got a president now who understands that, for example, you shouldn't have biological males competing against, you know, girls in women's sports. I mean those are the types of just, I think common sense issues that really resonate with the American people. And they're why they and one of the big reasons they supported the president last fall.

[John Thune]

Right. So many things I could touch on in what you just said, but I'd like to start with the far left Democrats in Congress right now. Can you speak to the Lake and Riley act and how Democrats handled this legislation coming in front of them as well as I believe there was legislation protecting women from men in their spaces or sports. Do you believe the Democrats actually support allowing men in women's spaces and they want young women like Lake and Riley to be in such difficult situations or are they just pushing these beliefs because this is the standards of their policy?

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Well, I think they, I think for some of them, their hardcore political base believes this. And so even if they don't agree with it, you know, the energy, the activism, the money in the Democrat Party right now is in the far left. And I think there are parties searching for an identity. I think they're floundering right now. They don't know. All they know is they hate the president. And so you've got Trump derangement syndrome on full display among Democrats in the country today. But you know, you look at even the things that they blocked, they used the filibuster, which interestingly enough, they were really ready to get rid of. If they had gotten the majority, they were going to get rid of it in a New York minute. They use it to block a vote, even getting a vote on preventing biological males from competing against girls in girls sports. I mean, they literally didn't even allow us to get on that bill. They blocked through the use of the filibuster legislation that would have ensured that babies born after a botched abortion would be protected under the laws of this country. I mean, that's how far out of the mainstream and how far out of step they are with, I think, core American values. And that's why I think the President was so successful. And I think, again, it's a basic level of common sense. I had a professor in business school at the University of South Dakota used to say there are certain things that are just intuitively obvious. And some of these things are intuitively obvious. And the Democrats can't seem to acknowledge that. So Lincoln Riley, we did get cooperation. There were some Democrats who voted for it. And that was at least something where I think they recognized they were so far out of step that they actually realized that they needed to put up a vote that actually recognized that people who'd been harmed in this country by illegal immigrants, that those people needed to be prosecuted under the laws of this country.

[John Thune]

And you spoke about burdensome Biden era regulations. Can you speak to how you've taken aim at some of these and others that you might want to take aim at in the future?

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

We have under the, there was a law passed by Congress back in the 1990s called the Congressional Review act and enables Congress to repeal, if you will, regulations put into place by the executive branch of the government by a vote in the House and the Senate and obviously has to be signed into law by the President. So what happened is there's what they call a look back period. And so these regulations that were put in place by the Biden administration and that are eligible for this procedure, we have looked at a whole bunch of them, House and Senate, and we are in a systematic way just going in and repealing a lot of these, these crazy regulations. And so we've done several of those already in the Senate. The House is voting on more this week and we're going to vote on two to three. We'll finish three of those this week, too. So there, a lot of them are just part of the Biden administration's proposal to do away with conventional energy production. They're part of the whole Green New Deal initiative. But they all have a cost to our economy and a cost to the American people. And so our, you know, view is if we are, if they're eligible for this particular legislative procedure, we're going to do everything we can to get rid of them because they are costing consumers in this country more. They create more inflation for people in this country, and they make it more expensive and harder to do business in America.

[John Thune]

Now, President Trump has really emphasized the importance of cleaning bad actors out of institutions and agencies like the FBI or the doj. What role do you think the Senate should play in helping with that? And do you think those goals have already been accomplished?

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

I think the president, just by virtue of changes in leadership in a lot of those departments and agencies, is accomplishing that objective. And obviously, we've helped him get the right people into those positions that he wanted to see, filling those positions. And so we're. That's a part of it. I think a big part of it's on him, and I think a part of it is too, just us fulfilling our role constitutionally to confirm the people that he wants in those key positions. I mean, we're always going to be looking, you know, Congress has an oversight role over all these departments and agencies. And, you know, it's up to us to have oversight hearings to examine how these agencies are implementing the policies or whether they are. And, you know, you're going to have a whole new change in policies, which you've already seen when President Trump took office. And so right now, it's a function of us making sure that those new policies are being implemented in a way and having the right people in these agencies and departments to make that happen.

[John Thune]

Right. And then on the border, I know we touched on this a little bit, but how do you think you can best complement the president's agenda or support the president's agenda when it comes to protecting our border?

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Well, in this reconciliation bill that's coming up, there will be a generational investment in border security. And part of it is, you know, Congress, under the Constitution, has the power of the purse. So the president sets the policy on the border, but he also needs resources in order to make sure that that policy gets implemented. So we will work with him through reconciliation to see that he has the number of border agents, the number of tension beds, all the things that make border security and continued success in terms of border security possible for him as administration. He'll set the tone, he'll set the policy. And that already has had a profound impact. I mean, you've seen 94% reduction, if you can believe that. I mean, it's staggering the success he's had already at southern border. And that, frankly, is just a change of leadership. But he will need the tools to implement that policy going forward. And so we will work with him to see that he has those.

[Georgia Howe]

Got it.

[John Thune]

And then final question for you in these next 100 days, what are you most looking to accomplish and can you give us an estimate on when we can see this big beautiful bill across the finish line?

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Well, definitely the next 100 days. You know, I'm always reluctant to make our hard commitments on deadlines because I tend to be somebody who likes to under promise and over deliver. But all I can tell you is we're working aggressively. And you know, the House is moving already and we've been working closely hand in glove with them on putting together a big beautiful bill that can pass not only the House with 218 votes, but we have a much stricter procedure in the Senate. You know, there are rules that we have to comply with. The House doesn't. And so we've got to work within the confines of those. But as we work through that process, our goal is to get this on the president's desk as soon as possible. And it is all the things I mentioned. It's the border, it's national security, it's tax relief, it's spending cuts and obviously energy. So those are kind of the key issues that we're and hopefully in the next hundred days you'll see some real progress there and hopefully some wins for the American people.

[John Thune]

We hope we will too. Thank you so much for sitting down with us. We really appreciate your time.

[Mary Margaret Olihan]

Mary Margaret, nice to be with you. Thanks.

[Georgia Howe]

That was Daily Wire White House correspondent Mary Margaret Olihan talking with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. And this has been a weekend edition of MORNING wire.