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▲ Good look for ThuneCongress / MembersVoting Rights

Trump Wants the Senate Parliamentarian Axed. Here's A Look Inside That Debate.

Thune said the parliamentarian’s rulings go both ways and described her role as requiring a fair referee.

Trump Wants the Senate Parliamentarian Axed. Here's A Look Inside That Debate.
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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to fire Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, accusing her of favoring Democrats. Thune said the rulings go both ways, while aides defended MacDonough’s fairness.

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John Thune R · SD · SEN
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John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate Majority Leader responding to Trump’s demand to fire the parliamentarian

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President urging Thune to fire the Senate parliamentarian

Trump's version of this story ↗
Mike Johnson
R · LA-4

Speaker of the House who indicated the proposal would be pitched in a later reconciliation bill

Mitch McConnell
R · KY · SEN

Former Senate Majority Leader referenced in Trump’s criticism of MacDonough

ALSO MENTIONED  Elizabeth MacDonough, Senate Parliamentarian targeted by Trump’s demand; Harry Reid, Former Senate Majority Leader who appointed MacDonough; Scott Presler, Activist calling for MacDonough’s removal

Part of a bigger story

5 OUTLETS
Thune Rejects Trump's Call to Fire Senate Parliamentarian

Outlets agree that Trump urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to fire Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, and Thune did not follow the demand. Center outlets emphasize Trump's push to remove her to advance the SAVE America Act and Thune's response. Right-leaning outlets frame the dispute around claims that her rulings or Senate resistance are blocking the act, while differing in how they portray Thune.

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