Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune appeared on Fox News with Mike Emanuel to discuss recent confirmations in the Senate. Thune emphasized the importance of confirming Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense and Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, citing national security concerns.

"[T]wo big ones. Very important that they get done. They’re the national security – obviously, border security with Governor Noem, now Secretary Noem, and, of course, with Secretary Hegseth, a lot going on in the world," said Thune. He highlighted the necessity of having a defense secretary ready to address global challenges.

Thune described the confirmation process as a collaborative effort: "[I]t was a team effort. I mean, those are, it’s hard, and it was close, and but we got it done." He expressed confidence in Hegseth's readiness to tackle issues facing the Department of Defense: "So we’re anxious to get him over there and get him on the job."

Thune praised Hegseth's confirmation hearing performance and his focus on prioritizing military readiness over other agendas: "He wants the Department of Defense to be about the war fighter... And I think the American people are ready for that."

The discussion also touched upon other confirmations such as Scott Bessent and Sean Duffy.