Why Trump is pushing for Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough to be fired

PoliticsOpinion
21 May 2026 • 4:40 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why Trump is pushing for Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough to be fired

  • Donald Trump publicly demanded the removal of Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate's nonpartisan parliamentarian, from her position.
  • Trump's demand followed MacDonough's decision to block Republican efforts to attach funding for his ballroom project to a border security and immigration enforcement bill, citing violations of the Byrd Rule.
  • On Truth Social, Trump accused MacDonough of being unfairly harsh toward Republicans while being lenient with Democrats, despite her past ruling against Democrats' minimum wage increase in 2021.
  • Trump further urged Senate Republicans to pass his 'Save America Act' and eliminate the filibuster, criticizing them for being too soft and allowing MacDonough to remain in power.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed concern over Trump's attack on MacDonough, stating it could jeopardize her safety, and confirmed that the blocked legislation would be redrafted.

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