Senate Majority Leader John Thune voiced sharp criticism of the Democratic Party in a recent interview, suggesting its members are losing their way and are overly obsessed with President Donald Trump, and, according to Thune, that attitude is giving Republicans an edge in the approaching midterm elections.
In an exclusive on-camera interview with Breitbart News, conducted in the historically significant Strom Thurmond Room at the U.S. Capitol, Thune expressed his negative diagnosis of the state of the Democratic Party.
Thune argued that the party is grappling with an identity crisis and is suffering from a focus skewed heavily toward anti-Trump sentiment. He termed this phenomenon as "Trump Derangement Syndrome."
Thune also commented on what he perceives as a disconnect between the Democratic Party's current positions and mainstream American views. According to him, the party’s base demands strict adherence to what he describes as far-left stances, representing a departure from the common beliefs of many Americans.
The senator pointed to issues such as the participation of biological males in female sports as a matter where Republicans hold what he calls a “common sense” stance.
Citing upcoming Senate retirements, Thune believes the Democratic Party is conceding political territory. Senators such as Dick Durbin, Jeanne Shaheen, Gary Peters, Tina Smith, and Michael Bennet have announced they will not seek re-election next year. Thune argues these departures present an opportunity for Republicans in the upcoming elections.
Thune attributes these retirements to dissatisfaction with the party's achievements during their recent Senate control. He highlighted what he perceives as an absence of key legislative accomplishments. According to Thune, there is a palpable sense of frustration among Democrats and a feeling of inadequate leadership within their ranks.
The majority leader further criticized the influence of the party’s progressive faction, often associated with the ideology of Sen. Bernie Sanders. He believes this segment could alienate moderate and independent voters crucial for election victories. Thune expressed concern about the Democrats' focus on overpowering emotions tied to their 2024 electoral loss.
Thune asserted that Democrats lack a viable agenda and are mainly focused on opposing Trump. He mentioned that Congressman Shri Thanedar has already introduced Articles of Impeachment against the former president. Thune warned that failing to retain control of the House in the 2026 elections might result in impeachment being prioritized by Democrats, validating his claims about their fixation on Trump.
Despite the criticisms directed at Democrats, Thune admitted Republicans now hold responsibility for implementing their agenda effectively. Recognizing the openings created by Democratic disarray, he urged his party to work in unity with former President Trump, to meet voter expectations.
Thune emphasized the need for Republicans to maintain control of both chambers of Congress to prevent Democrats from potentially launching another impeachment of Trump. Asserting Republican responsibility, he encouraged his party to capitalize on this perceived Democratic vulnerability in order to fulfill their promises to the public.
The majority leader characterized some public statements from Democrats as extreme and detached from the priorities of everyday Americans. He concluded that Democrats, in their current state, fail to offer an appealing alternative for the American electorate due to what he perceives as their lack of pragmatic policymaking.
Ultimately, Thune’s remarks are a call for Republicans to seize the moment by delivering tangible policy results and maintaining a strong legislative presence. In doing so, he suggests, they can position themselves as a more reliable alternative for American voters in the upcoming elections.
