FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) — Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said Republicans are focused on keeping the economy growing, securing the southern border and ensuring the American dream remains attainable as the nation marks its 250th anniversary. Thune made the comments during an appearance on Fort Wayne’s Morning News with Kayla Blakeslee, offering listeners a wide-ranging look at his leadership role, recent legislative victories and how Washington has shifted under President Donald Trump. Asked to describe what it means to be Senate Majority Leader, Thune compared the job to managing competing priorities and personalities while still moving legislation forward. “When you’re in the majority, you have to actually have an agenda and move things,” Thune said. “It’s really trying to keep the trains running on time and keep the team moving forward.” Legislative wins and Senate priorities Thune pointed to several Republican accomplishments over the past year, including bipartisan measures and the confirmation of hundreds of presidential nominees, which he said required significant procedural changes after what he described as historic obstruction. “President Trump is the first president ever not to have a single one of his nominees confirmed by voice vote or unanimous consent,” Thune said. “So we had to grind through the long way. We made some changes, caught up, and we’ve now confirmed over 400 of his nominees.” Thune also highlighted passage of the sweeping Working Families Tax Credit package, often referred to by Republicans as the “one big, beautiful bill.” He described the legislation as a bundle of roughly 100 policies aimed at boosting economic growth, strengthening national security and expanding domestic energy production. “It was a ton of work,” Thune said. “But it’s really consequential in terms of the impact on the country — on the economy, national security, energy production and the border.” Border conditions shift Thune said a recent visit to the southern border underscored the contrast between the current administration and the Biden years, which he described as marked by chaos and overcrowded facilities. “It was the Biden open-border policy. People were just streaming across,” Thune said, recalling previous visits in 2021 and 2023. “This time, it was stark. It’s under control. It’s secure.” He credited President Trump’s leadership and congressional funding for resources such as wall construction, technology upgrades and counter-drone capabilities. “In the last several months, there hasn’t been a single person admitted illegally into the country,” Thune said. “That’s President Trump’s leadership and the resources we put in place.” When families will feel relief Responding to questions from northeast Indiana listeners about when families will see financial relief from the tax package, Thune said the impact is already being felt — both in avoided tax hikes and new provisions. “Families would have had, on average, a $3,700 tax increase if this hadn’t passed,” he said. “So they’ve got $3,700 more in their pocket today.” Thune cited expanded child tax credits, a larger standard deduction, lower taxes on Social Security benefits, and provisions eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay. He also emphasized business incentives designed to spur investment and job growth. “It’s going to be a real magnet for investment in this country,” Thune said. “When the economy is growing and expanding, it creates better-paying jobs, and that’s good for American families.” America at 250 Reflecting on the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial, Thune shared his own family’s immigration story, noting that his grandfather and great-uncle arrived from Norway in 1906 seeking opportunity. “They came here in search of the American dream,” Thune said. “We want to make sure that dream is still available to our kids and grandkids.” He said preserving that legacy requires courage, responsible leadership and policies that empower families to make their own choices. “This country didn’t become a world leader by chance,” Thune said. “It happened because people were committed to doing the right things at critical moments.” Washington vs. the real world Thune also acknowledged that Washington can feel disconnected from everyday life, stressing the importance of staying grounded in his home state. “Washington, D.C., is kind of a bubble divorced from reality,” he said. “I work here, but I don’t live here. You draw your energy from real-world people.” Still, he encouraged Americans to visit the capital, calling its landmarks “the people’s buildings” and a living record of the nation’s history. A lighter moment The interview concluded with a rapid-fire game that revealed Thune’s preferences — including coffee over soda, ice cream over cake and Indiana University over Miami — and ended with an invitation. “You should do your show at Mount Rushmore for the 250th anniversary,” Thune said. “I can’t think of a better place to celebrate 250 years of this country.” Blakeslee noted the on-air goal had been achieved. “You laughed and you smiled,” she said, as Thune thanked the audience and wished blessings on the Fort Wayne radio team. The post WOWO EXCLUSIVE: Senate Majority Leader John Thune Interview with Kayla Blakeslee appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less