Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune has cast doubt on the practicality of former President Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation plans. In a candid interview on NBC’s Meet The Press, Thune addressed host Kristen Walker’s inquiries about his previous comments concerning the “realistic” nature of deporting millions of undocumented immigrants currently residing in the United States.
“Is it realistic to deport everybody? I mean, there’s a lot of people in this country who are here illegally,” Thune remarked during the interview, underscoring his skepticism about the sweeping scope of Trump’s vision.
The incoming Senate leader’s tempered response reflects a broader debate within the Republican Party about how to handle immigration enforcement effectively while adhering to legal and logistical constraints. Thune pointed to existing priorities within the federal system, stating, “Anybody who has committed a crime in this country clearly ought to be on that list. And there are a bunch of folks, over a million—1.4 million, I think—on the current administration’s list of people that need to be deported.”
Thune suggested starting with the deportation of those already identified as priorities under the Biden administration before deciding on broader measures. “Start with that, and then we’ll go from there and figure it out. But I think that the administration, when they take office, these are decisions, obviously, they’re going to have to make,” he explained.
The senator also emphasized the importance of adhering to legal principles, framing the immigration debate within the context of American identity and governance. “People have to understand that we are a nation of immigrants, but we are first and foremost a nation of laws, and you’ve got to follow the law,” he said.
Thune’s comments come as Trump continues to champion his immigration platform, which includes promises to implement the “largest deportation effort in American history” and restore order at the southern border. During his presidential campaign, Trump argued that the Biden administration’s handling of border security had eroded national stability and undermined American life. His pledge to carry out mass deportations is seen as a cornerstone of his broader agenda to reassert control over the nation’s immigration system.
Meanwhile, Thune’s rise to Senate Majority Leader positions him as a pivotal figure in shaping the Republican Party’s legislative direction under Trump’s renewed leadership. After a decisive election victory in November, Trump’s influence secured Thune’s leadership position, where he defeated Senators Rick Scott and John Cornyn for the role. While Thune’s appointment is viewed as a shift away from the long-standing tenure of Mitch McConnell, it also highlights the complexities of GOP unity in the post-Trump era.
Despite being aligned with Trump’s agenda in key areas, Thune’s record includes moments of divergence from the former president. Critics point to his support for foreign military engagements and his history of opposing certain elements of Trump’s influence within the party. These differences have fueled concerns among some conservatives about his commitment to fully embracing Trump’s vision.
Nevertheless, Thune has signaled a willingness to collaborate closely with Trump. Following his election as Senate leader, Thune tweeted, “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.”
His assumption of leadership formally began on Friday, marking the conclusion of Mitch McConnell’s nearly two-decade-long tenure as Senate Majority Leader. McConnell’s departure represents a significant shift in the Republican Party’s leadership dynamics and priorities, with Thune’s approach likely to emphasize a balance between pragmatism and adherence to Trump’s populist agenda.
Thune’s cautious stance on mass deportation highlights the challenges of translating campaign promises into actionable policies. Immigration remains a polarizing issue, with Republican lawmakers and the American public divided over how best to address illegal immigration. While Trump’s supporters view his proposed mass deportations as a necessary step to restore order, critics argue that such measures are logistically unfeasible and risk undermining the nation’s values.
As the Senate’s new majority leader, Thune’s leadership will be tested in navigating these complex dynamics. Balancing the expectations of Trump’s base with the realities of governance will require careful negotiation and strategic prioritization. For now, his comments suggest a preference for a more incremental approach to immigration enforcement, starting with existing deportation priorities before expanding to broader measures.
With the GOP’s control of the Senate and Trump’s return to the presidency, the party’s handling of immigration policy will likely remain a defining issue in the months and years ahead. Whether Thune’s pragmatism aligns with Trump’s ambitions remains to be seen, but the path forward promises to be anything but straightforward.
