The Daily Punch Trump and Johnson vs. Thune
Mar 31, 2026
A deep dive into John Thune’s failed DHS plan to strip out ICE and CBP and why the House rejected it. Tensions rising as pressure mounts from lawmakers, conservatives, and the White House. Debate over lawmakers’ vacation optics and what options remain to fund DHS. A look at whether the president can force Congress back and a rare bipartisan discharge petition on Haitian deportation protections.
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Thune's DHS Strategy Backfired Politically
- John Thune's attempt to reopen DHS without ICE and CBP backfired politically.
- The Senate passed a limited bill expecting House approval, but the House rejected it, leaving Thune squeezed by House Republicans and the White House.
TMZ Photos Amplified Pressure On Senators
- Jake cited TMZ photos of senators on vacation to illustrate political pressure.
- He named Lindsey Graham at Disney World and Robert Garcia in Las Vegas as examples amplifying criticism of lawmakers out of town.
Being Out Of Town While DHS Is Unfunded Is Politically Risky
- Optics matter: being out of session while DHS is unfunded looks bad for Republicans.
- Returning to Washington could be a political plus, though practical outcomes remain uncertain with competing bills in both chambers.