The election of Sen. John Thune as Senate majority leader has sparked backlash among conservatives, who see the decision as a betrayal of the voters who delivered Republican victories in Congress and returned President Donald Trump to the White House.

JUST IN: Majority Leader John Thune vows to push through Trump's nominees "quickly."

"We will do everything we can to process his noms quickly and get them installed in their positions so they can begin to implement his agenda."

Time will tell. pic.twitter.com/6vFdjJSGTe

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 13, 2024

Honored to serve as the next U.S. Senate majority leader. pic.twitter.com/zq9XLrPDUr

— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) November 13, 2024

Thune, closely aligned with outgoing majority leader Mitch McConnell, is viewed as a continuation of establishment leadership. Many Trump supporters argue that his record proves he is out of step with the America First agenda that voters overwhelmingly endorsed in the 2024 election.

Congratulations to my friend Senator John Thune on becoming the New Majority Leader of the United States Senate! I know John to be a man of integrity and principle who will lead the U.S. Senate with distinction. Congratulations Leader and God Bless You, Kimberly & Your Family!🇺🇸 https://t.co/AFi5PzSEdK

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) November 13, 2024

Sen Chuck Schumer is excited Senator John Thune was nominated to be the new Senate Majority leader

This is the Uniparty

They are already moving against Agenda 47

pic.twitter.com/SGnbcpArCt

— Drew Hernandez (@DrewHLive) November 13, 2024

Sen John Thune just implicitly *threatened* President Trump on national TV

He told him to not endorse Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader

Yes the same John Thune that told Trump to resign and let Mike Pence take over

We don’t want Thune the Baffoon! https://t.co/sbQJCR9XFy pic.twitter.com/ycN9MTTJCM

— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) November 7, 2024

Adding to the frustration is the secret ballot used to elect Thune. Critics argue that this process allows senators to avoid accountability and ignore the grassroots mandate for change. Many had hoped for a more transparent process that would align with the demands of conservative voters.

🚨 JUST IN: Majority Leader John Thune just spoke with President Trump

“Just got off the phone with @realDonaldTrump. Senate Republicans are excited and ready to get to work implementing President Trump’s agenda on behalf of the American people.”

WE WANT ACTION! PROVE YOURSELF! pic.twitter.com/yhT30shZdw

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 13, 2024

Senator John Thune has consistently shown that he does not support President Trump's agenda, and his track record reflects that. The Senate deserves a majority leader who is committed to serving the will of the people, not the Uniparty. I believe that leader is @SenRickScott! pic.twitter.com/dpEYzQSrin

— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) November 10, 2024

Senator John Thune, who is next in line for Senate Majority Leader, believes that the J6 prosecutions were legitimate and he wanted everyone put into prison. pic.twitter.com/l0EcrhkW9u

— Cernovich (@Cernovich) November 8, 2024

Rick Scott in 2016 vs. John Thune in 2016

Tell your Senator to Vote Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader pic.twitter.com/HxRieVatwQ

— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) November 11, 2024

Thune’s history of siding with Democrats on key issues, including support for Ukraine funding, has fueled concerns about his commitment to advancing Trump’s priorities. MAGA influencers on social media have described his election as a continuation of the deep state’s disregard for the voters who gave Republicans control of the Senate.

Senator Thune continues to deny fraud played a big part in the 2020 election – resulting in millions of extra ‘votes’ for Biden. He blamed Trump for J6. Maybe not a great pick for Senate Majority Leader. pic.twitter.com/hySp0WOVOj

— @amuse (@amuse) November 10, 2024

Would be a shame if this video of Senator Thune went viral for not supporting Donald Trump

“I’m hoping we have OTHER options”

I CAN’T BELIEVE Senators in Congress want this guy as Senate Majority Leader

LET’S MAKE THIS VIRAL ON 𝕏 👏 pic.twitter.com/kUHVNTckY7

— Marjorie Taylor Greene Press Release (Parody) (@MTGrepp) November 11, 2024

John Thune is Senate Majority Leader.

He has a short window to show us he will support President Trump, fill his cabinet, confirm his judges, and pass his agenda.

If he does, we will support him.

If he doesn't, we will work to remove him.

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 13, 2024

NEW SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: JOHN THUNE. @CharlieKirk11 discussing the breaking news on the new Senate majority leader but he warns Thune: "you have a short window to show us you support President Trump." pic.twitter.com/8obSbOCFsg

— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) November 13, 2024

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) summed up the sentiment by tweeting, “McConnell 2.0.” Her remarks reflect the widespread frustration among conservatives who feel betrayed by a party leadership that seems more aligned with Washington elites than the voters who elected them.

🚨 #BREAKING: John Thune WINS the vote for Senate Majority Leader over John Cornyn

29-24

The Senate has BETRAYED Americans. pic.twitter.com/crnKrzBuX0

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 13, 2024

SENATE: Thune and Cornyn have zero business in leadership positions needed to advance Trump’s mandate. Both men repeatedly betrayed the president very publicly and privately. Turn the page, elect @SenRickScott Majority Leader. pic.twitter.com/9dGPAL6qLh

— @amuse (@amuse) November 11, 2024

With Thune elected by the Senate as the next Senate Majority Leader, it's clear that they didn't listen to the people. It's time to repeal the 17th Amendment. Until that happens, here's the list of Senators up for re-election in 2026. Primary every single one of them. pic.twitter.com/TuGZzuqFrL

— SSG_G (@TheParasiteGuy) November 13, 2024

The backlash highlights the growing divide between GOP leadership and the grassroots base. For many conservatives, Thune’s election is a reminder of the need to hold establishment senators accountable and demand leadership that prioritizes their agenda.

Serious question. Is John Thune, who has a 37% conservative rating in the last congress, and now the Senate Majority Leader, even really a Republican? pic.twitter.com/jMY6T2PlDg

— Tara Servatius (@TaraServatius) November 14, 2024

🚨WOW!

According to The Heritage Foundation’s conservative voting record scorecard, Sen. Rick Scott has a 95% lifetime score, while Thune and Cornyn have 62 and 64%.

No wonder the Swamp is doing everything in its power to keep Rick Scott from becoming Senate Majority Leader👇 pic.twitter.com/qeOssBL7Eb

— 🇺🇸Jessica🇺🇸 (@Jessica_4_Trump) November 11, 2024