'Party over country': Internet blasts No 2 Senate Republican John Thune for endorsing Trump after his South Carolina primary win

WASHINGTON, DC: John Thune, the No 2 Senate Republican leader, endorsed Donald Trump for his 2024 presidential run after the ex-POTUS' decisive victory against presidential hopeful Nikki Haley in the South Carolina primary on February 24.

"The primary results in South Carolina make clear that Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee for president in this year's pivotal presidential election. The choice before the American people is crystal clear: It's Donald Trump or Joe Biden," told the South Dakota Republican to Fox News.

According to a report by The Hill, the top Senator was often at odds with the former president, and it was evident after he labeled Trump's alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election result would go down like a "shot dog."

While Thune did face mounting pressure regarding his endorsement after the ex-POTUS' win in the New Hampshire primary, his choice of nominee wasn't clear till now as the Senator had previously suggested he would back whoever GOP voters pick as their presidential nominee. 

He had previously endorsed Sen Tim Scott, who dropped out of the race and is now a top frontrunner for Trump's vice presidential ticket.

Sen John Thune vows to put an end to 'disastrous Biden-Schumer agenda' as he endorses Donald Trump

Speaking to Fox News, the Thune pledged to support Trump's reelection and to ensure a Republican majority in the Senate "to restore American strength at home and abroad."

The Senate Minority Whip asserted, "Together we must put an end to the disastrous Biden-Schumer agenda. Our country cannot endure another four years of Bidenomics, continued lawlessness at our southern border, and American weakness on the global stage." 

As per the outlet, a source confirmed that Thune and Trump had a phone conversation following the latter's resounding victory in the Palmetto State GOP primary.

After securing consecutive victories in state party ballots, the former president is close to becoming the nominee for a third time to face President Joe Biden for a rematch in November.

Thune's endorsement adds pressure on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who also shares a frosty relationship with Trump.

Withholding his endorsement to the ex-president, the top Senator said in a recent press conference, "I've stayed essentially out of it, and when I change my mind about that, I'll let you know."

Along with Thune, McConnell was also a target of Trump for criticizing his 2020 election and handling of the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

Internet blasts John Thune over his endorsement of Donald Trump

Thune's endorsement of Trump clearly outraged netizens as one wrote, "Spineless. Party over country. No principles. Coward."

Another noted, "Of course he did because he's an American Coward. What dirt does Donald Trump hold over the entire Republican party?" 

"Party over country. His power over his duty. I thought he had more character," stated a disappointed individual, while a person added, "Someone asked earlier who the most humiliating Trump suck-up was, in Congress. I was stumped, but I now have an answer."

One more pointed out, "This is the same guy after 1/6 was ready to throw trump out of office. My what a difference a few years make. His memory has failed, just like trump's presidency." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.