Thune: Schumer 'Lives in Fear' of Socialist Wing of Democratic Party

Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer "lives in fear" of the Democratic Party's far-left wing, asserting that Schumer increasingly yields to progressives as the midterm elections approach.

"I think he lives in fear of that every day. I really do," Thune said Saturday on "My View with Lara Trump," when asked if Schumer is concerned about being overtaken by "socialists."

Thune suggested that Schumer's leadership has been influenced by the progressive movement, citing an instance where Schumer voted to open the government during a shutdown, only for the action to be met with opposition from the far left. "And then ever since then, I mean, it's kind of whatever they want. They defer to that far-left base," Thune observed.

The South Dakota senator made these remarks while discussing what he described as Democratic obstructionism in the Senate, arguing that Republicans have been prevented from advancing legislation traditionally supported by both parties, such as military funding.

"We have a saying in my office that if you don't get national security right, the rest is conversation. You've got to protect the country. And so funding our military, the defense authorization bill, as I mentioned earlier — the Democrats blocked us from even getting on it on the floor. Historically, that's been bipartisan," Thune said. He also highlighted the importance of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, describing it as "critical to our intelligence community."

Thune outlined Republican legislative priorities should the GOP maintain control of Congress in November, including military funding, judicial nominations, and permitting reform.

His comments come amid several victories for Democratic socialist candidates in primary elections. Thune pointed to the trajectory of the country on economic policy, national security, and border issues, stating that the U.S. is