President Donald Trump recently urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to dismiss Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough. This came after MacDonough ruled that Republicans couldn’t include funding for Trump’s ballroom project in a budget bill. The call, revealed by sources to NOTUS, was a direct response to MacDonough’s decision, which Trump found frustrating.
Despite Trump’s commitment to fund the ballroom through private donations, Republicans are pushing for $1 billion in Secret Service funding, including $220 million for the ballroom. MacDonough, a nonpartisan official, determined that the proposal violated the Byrd Rule. This rule prevents non-budget items from passing with a simple majority.
Thune did not confirm whether Trump asked him to remove MacDonough, stating, “We’re going through a process that we have every time we have a reconciliation bill,” and he rejected the idea of firing her.
Discussions with MacDonough are ongoing. Republicans hope to receive favorable rulings soon so they can proceed with votes on other key package items, which include $72 billion designated for Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In contrast to previous attempts to push legislation through reconciliation, where MacDonough’s decisions also sparked backlash, Thune remains firm in not sidelining her. Last year, when drafting the president’s tax bill, there were calls to oust MacDonough after she removed Medicaid provisions, but Thune stood his ground.
Recent trends show that the relationship between lawmakers and the parliamentarian is often fraught, reflecting broader frustrations around the legislative process. A 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center indicated that 54% of Americans believe that major changes are needed in how Congress operates. This sentiment echoes concerns about transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness to constituents.
For a deeper understanding of the role and influence of the Senate parliamentarian, you can check out this insightful piece from the Brookings Institution.
