Trump Calls for Firing of Senate Parliamentarian Over SAVE America Act

President Donald Trump posted that Majority Leader John Thune should fire Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, saying she “treats Republicans and everything they stand for horribly.” He said her rulings block SAVE America Act—a bill requiring citizenship proof to register to vote and photo ID to cast a ballot—and that her removal is essential.

The Hill

SAVE America Act was in Senate’s budget reconciliation package. MacDonough ruled it violated Byrd Rule, which bars non-budget items and requires a 60-vote waiver. Senators Lindsey Graham and Mike Lee sought the waiver but fell short. MacDonough also rejected $1 billion White House security request for ballroom under that rule.

The Hill

President Donald Trump, Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), and Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough are central. Leaders Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Harry Reid (D-NV) are cited for MacDonough’s 2012 appointment. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Mike Lee (R-UT) have voiced positions.

The Hill

Four Republicans—Susan Collins (R-ME), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Thom Tillis (R-NC)—voted “no” on motions to waive budget rules for the SAVE America Act. The waiver attempts by Graham and Lee fell well short of the required 60 votes.

The Hill

Trump reiterated that MacDonough “treats Republicans and everything they stand for horribly” and called her a “nasty holdover.” Thune warned firing her “would create vote issues.” Tuberville and Steube echoed the criticism; Collins and Murkowski defended MacDonough’s adherence.

Some Republican senators warned that removing the parliamentarian could “destroy the fabric of upper chamber,” noting Senate’s design that gives minority party leverage. Their votes against the waiver show a split over strategy versus policy.

The Hill

• “Senate Majority Leader John Thune should immediately fire the parliamentarian, who treats Republicans and everything they stand for horribly!” — Donald Trump, President

The Hill

• “We have every right to change her, and should do so, IMMEDIATELY.” — Donald Trump, President

The Hill

• “That’s, I guess, his opinion. But that would create even more vote issues here if we were to try and do something like that,” — John Thune, Senate Majority Leader

The Hill

• “She was put there by then Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Barack Hussein Obama, need I say more?” — Donald Trump, President

The Hill

• “We have every right to change her, and should do so, IMMEDIATELY. As long as she’s there, we will never get our desperately needed SAVE AMERICA ACT, approved, and put into full force and effect!” — Donald Trump, President

The Hill

• “treats Republicans, and everything that they stand for, horribly.” — Donald Trump, President

SAVE America Act’s predecessor dispute echoes the last dismissal of a Senate parliamentarian in 2001 when Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) fired Robert Dove after a ruling against President George W. Bush’s tax bill; Dove was later removed under Robert Byrd (D-WV) and reinstated by Bob Dole (R-KS).

The Hill

Thune has signaled no intention to replace MacDonough, indicating any effort to alter the reconciliation process will require legislative maneuvering. Republicans may seek amendments to satisfy Byrd-Rule requirements, while debate over the parliamentarian’s role is likely to continue in upcoming Senate sessions.

The Hill