Story perspectives

Thune Critiques Democrats Amid Trump’s Border Security Push

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized Democrats during the State of the Union, calling their conduct a sign of "two Americas" as they remained seated when U.S. President Donald Trump urged support for American citizens over illegal aliens, and Trump demanded restoration of border security funding.
Thune addressed the DHS shutdown and suggested the White House may pay workers.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans must fund DHS.

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Story summary

Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized Democrats during the State of the Union, calling their conduct a sign of "two Americas" as they remained seated when U.S. President Donald Trump urged support for American citizens over illegal aliens, and Trump demanded restoration of border security funding.
Thune addressed the DHS shutdown and suggested the White House may pay workers.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans must fund DHS.