<p>President Donald Trump addressed the audience at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas on September 9, 2026, where he mentioned Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). Despite Trump's attempt to compliment Thune, the crowd responded with boos.</p>
<p>Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Thune's leadership in the Senate Republican caucus, particularly regarding the passage of the SAVE America Act and the elimination of the filibuster. However, he has stated that he personally likes Thune.</p>
<p>During his keynote address, Trump called for Thune, saying, “John Thune is here from the Senate. Where’s John? Where’s John?” This prompted the audience to boo. Trump continued, defending Thune by stating, “No, no, John is working hard. He’s got great opposition. He’s got great opposition from the Democrats.” He further emphasized the challenges Thune faces from Democratic leaders.</p>
<p>Later in his speech, Trump received cheers when he reiterated his call for the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) commented to the Washington Examiner that Thune should not have attended the convention, stating, “He’s the reason why we don’t have SAVE America.”</p>
<p>Luna also criticized the filibuster, saying, “The filibuster is a perversion of what it was supposed to represent,” and noted that Democrats are advocating for its abolition.</p>