The No. 2 Senate Republican sees the writing on the wall, backs Trump

Former President Donald Trump won significant support Sunday in his bid to retake the White House.

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's second-in-command John Thune (RSD) says the November election is “clear”.

“The results of the South Carolina primary make it clear that Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee for president in this year's crucial presidential election,” Thune said. Fox News Digital. “The choice before the American people is very clear: it's Donald Trump or Joe Biden.”

“I support former President Trump's campaign to win the presidency, and I intend to do everything I can to see that he has a Republican majority in the Senate working with him to restore American strength at home and abroad “, he said.

“Together we must end the disastrous Biden-Schumer agenda,” Thune urged voters. “Our country cannot endure four more years of Bidenomics, continued lawlessness on our southern border, and American weakness on the global stage.”

After Trump soared to victory in Nikki Haley's state South Carolina, the minority whip and the former president spoke on the phone Saturday night, sources with knowledge of the call told Fox News Digital. Before that, it was unclear whether Thune would publicly endorse any of the GOP candidates for the crucial 2024 Republican nomination.

Trump's stunt stomps Nikki Haley in her home state: 'I don't know if she's in the race' https://t.co/HanllIsW8T road @BIZPACRevision

— Based on BPR (@DumpstrFireNews) February 25, 2024

“Like McConnell, he suggested he would support whoever Republican voters choose as the presidential nominee, but Thune has mostly avoided mentioning the former president,” reports Fox. “He previously endorsed the presidential campaign of South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and was present at Scott's launch event. Scott dropped out in November and endorsed Trump last month.”

The ad is getting mixed reactions on X.

According to conservative radio host Leo Terrell, Thune “is a RINO” and should be met with skepticism.

“We welcome his support, but Thune is a RINO and a Trump hater,” Terrell wrote. “He had no choice but to approve.”

“I'm telling the truth,” he added. “I don't want Trump to burn Trump haters!”

I welcome his support, but Thune is a RINO and Trump hater. He had no choice but to vouch. I'm telling the truth. I don't want Trump to burn Trump haters! #Trump2024 https://t.co/c2N9oZGaD5

— LeoTerrell (@TheLeoTerrell) February 25, 2024

In a second post, Terrell flatly declared, “I don't trust John Thune!”

I don't trust #JohnThune! I welcome your vote for Trump, NOT your support! #TRUMP2024ToSaveAmerica https://t.co/jJxcnpQutu

— LeoTerrell (@TheLeoTerrell) February 26, 2024

Others agreed.

“RINO will mostly protect itself,” noted one user.

“We have never trusted Thune,” said another.

“He's a Rino loser,” declared a third. “He waited until Trump was a lock and then he's rooting for Trump to leave him alone after 47 years. Don't be fooled.”

RINO will protect itself above all else.

– Jaime Who? (@MuskOx1953) February 25, 2024

We have never trusted Thune

— Dannak (@kornegay_danna) February 26, 2024

He's a Rino loser. He waited until Trump was a lock and then backs him, so Trump leaves him alone after 47 years. Don't be fooled.

— Rob Garfalo (@robgarfalo1) February 26, 2024

With Thune's endorsement, McConnell faces mounting pressure to pick a side, despite the bad blood shared between the minority leader and the MAGA kingpin.

“McConnell said at a press conference this month when asked about the race, 'I've essentially stayed on the sidelines, and when I change my mind about it, I'll let you know,'” according to Fox News Digital.

Some at X hope Thune's stand will mark a shift in minority loyalty.

“Finally,” one optimistic user wrote, “he might start distancing himself from McConnell.”

He could finally begin to distance himself from McConnell https://t.co/YXZbAnOTFe

— WBNJR (@BarryNi09877773) February 25, 2024

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Melissa Fine is the former executive editor of Casino Player, Strictly Slots and Poker
Digest magazines. She's a UCLA grad, news junkie, and dedicated Stargate SG-
1 fan Currently, Melissa lives with her dog and two cats in a small town in the Sierra
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