The ongoing debate about President Donald Trump’s SAVE America Act has shifted from internal GOP disagreements to a public confrontation between Senate Majority Leader John Thune and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

On Thursday, Leavitt indicated that Trump’s patience with Thune over the election security legislation was wearing thin. “His patience is running out. He wants as much of the Save America [Act] passed as possible by the August recess,” she stated, emphasizing that this is what the public desires.

However, not all Republicans align with Leavitt’s view that the Senate’s GOP members are not sufficiently supporting the legislation. Thune has become a target for criticism from conservatives both online and at the White House.

The SAVE America Act faces strong opposition from Senate Democrats, who believe it could disenfranchise millions of voters. In contrast to the House, where Republicans can push legislation forward with a majority, bipartisan support is needed in the Senate, making Thune’s task challenging.

Both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson aim for the Act’s passage through budget reconciliation, which only needs 50 votes. Yet, securing such support appears uncertain. Thune pointed out the need to focus efforts on persuading both Democrats and unsure Republicans.

Republicans are expressing frustration with the unrealistic expectations surrounding the bill, especially given the voting difficulties in the Senate. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina voices skepticism, suggesting that reconciliation should prioritize government funding over the Act.

Regarding Leavitt’s remarks about Thune, Tillis strongly defended the Majority Leader, asserting, “I have 1,000% confidence in Thune, and anybody in the White House who thinks he’s not a good leader isn’t qualified for their job.”