Senate Majority Leader John Thune Booed at Republican Midterm Convention

<figure><img alt="President Donald Trump speaks on stage on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 09, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. U.S. President Donald Trump will headline the Republican National Committee's first-ever midterm convention as he aims to highlight his administration’s achievements and rally support for GOP candidates just two months before the upcoming elections being held on November 3." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/WL4LU3TBBZEE7NWSB3CV5TO5Z4.jpg?auth=53e737352da16ce450af040e1742e64acae91cc9c625b88644d2e93a6238fb1f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2754&amp;height=1549" /><figcaption>Alex Wong/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>Senate Majority Leader John Thune received a negative reaction from supporters of President Donald Trump at the Republican midterm convention held on September 9, 2026, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. During Trump's keynote address, when he mentioned Thune, the audience responded with boos.</p><p>Trump began by praising House Speaker Mike Johnson and then called for Thune, asking, "Where is John?" This prompted a prolonged booing from the crowd. Trump attempted to defend Thune, stating, "John is working well. He’s got great opposition," but the discontent from some attendees continued.</p><p>Thune was not included in the official speaker lineup for the event, which featured other Republican leaders such as Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso and NRSC Chair Tim Scott. The absence of Thune from the lineup has been a point of contention among Trump supporters, particularly due to frustrations over the Senate's failure to pass the SAVE America Act.</p><p>Despite the Republican majority in the Senate, there is not unanimous support for the legislation, which requires 60 votes to overcome the filibuster. Some Senate Republicans have expressed opposition to changing the filibuster rules, which has led to calls from MAGA supporters for Thune's removal as majority leader.</p><p>Thune's relationship with the White House has reportedly been strained, with some tensions arising in recent months. During the convention, Thune was not seen seated with other prominent Republicans as Trump spoke. A source indicated that Thune was present at the convention and had a full schedule, but chose not to speak to allow others a chance to address the audience.</p><p>This incident is not the first time Thune has faced backlash from Trump supporters. At a campaign event in Rapid City, South Dakota, in September 2023, Thune's name also drew boos from the crowd when Governor Kristi Noem criticized absent Republican lawmakers.</p><p>As the booing continued, Trump reassured the audience of Thune's efforts, stating, "He’s going to have great success. You watch."</p>