The Dakota Scout

The Dakota Scout

Sen. John Thune: 'Trump derangement syndrome' forced historic votes, long work sessions

Senate majority leader drove colleagues hard as Congress approved major legislation, Trump nominees

Jonathan Ellis's avatar
Jonathan Ellis
Jan 03, 2026
∙ Paid
U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune at the offices of The Dakota Scout on Dec. 30, 2025. (Chad Garnes/The Dakota Scout)

“Trump derangement syndrome” is causing unprecedented gridlock on Capitol Hill and historic workloads to break it.

That’s how Sen. John Thune assessed his first year as majority leader of the United States Senate, a year marked with successes, challenges and at-times frenzied negotiations to conduct the business of the federal Legislature.

“I don’t always connote activity with productivity in Washington,” Thune told The Dakota Scout this week while appearing on “The Scouting Lounge” — newspaper’s weekly podcast.

'Trump Derangement Syndrome is real' | Filibuster fortification | Reclaiming ceded presidential authority | Making 'em work | '26 & beyond

'Trump Derangement Syndrome is real' | Filibuster fortification | Reclaiming ceded presidential authority | Making 'em work | '26 & beyond

The Dakota Scout, Jonathan Ellis, and Joe Sneve
·
Jan 3
Read full story
Frank Brost, Mickelson chief of staff who carried state after airplane tragedy, dies

Frank Brost, Mickelson chief of staff who carried state after airplane tragedy, dies

Jonathan Ellis
·
Jan 2
Read full story
User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of The Dakota Scout.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 The Dakota Scout · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture