Thune Distances Himself from Trump on Data Centers and Beef Imports

Interviews Thune has given this week are the latest entries in the rift between the Senate majority leader and Trump after months of tension.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune

While Senate Majority Leader John Thune has trod carefully in his criticism of the president in recent months, he broke with the president on a number of new policy positions this week. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Sipa USA)

Senate Majority Leader John Thune broke with President Donald Trump on several key policy issues including data center construction, beef imports and the Senate filibuster in interviews this week.

Thune’s recent comments — made two weeks before the Senate resumes business following a recess — are the latest example of a widening policy gulf between himself and the president. Trump has increasingly voiced frustration with Thune’s leadership, particularly as the president’s priority elections bill stalls in the upper chamber ahead of the midterms.

While Thune has trod carefully in his criticism of the president in recent months, he broke with the president on a number of new policy positions this week.