Republicans Demand Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough Be Fired for Blocking GOP Budget Reconciliation

By Solange Reyner | Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Rep. Greg Steube (R-Florida) stated on Wednesday that Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) should remove Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, arguing she has blocked Republican priorities under the budget reconciliation process.

Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump urged Thune to fire MacDonough, writing on Truth Social: “Majority Leader John Thune has the right to do it, immediately. FIRE THE PARLIAMENTARIAN NOW!”

Steube emphasized that he had been advocating for MacDonough’s removal since October of last year. During a discussion with “Bianca Across the Nation,” he stated, “Yes, 1,000%. That should happen.”

He criticized MacDonough for removing what he described as conservative provisions from Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill,” claiming she acted based on policy considerations rather than her role.

“She was appointed by Harry Reid decades ago,” Steube said.

Steube asserted that Thune possesses the authority to dismiss MacDonough and appoint a replacement. “He should have done it right when he took office.”

MacDonough was appointed Senate parliamentarian in 2012 by then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). The role involves advising senators on procedural matters and interpreting chamber rules, though the presiding officer and senators can override the parliamentarian’s advice.

Republicans have increasingly criticized MacDonough after she ruled that several GOP-proposed provisions could not be included in reconciliation legislation due to rule violations. Reconciliation allows budget-related bills to pass with a simple majority instead of the 60 votes typically required to overcome a filibuster.

Steube argued that MacDonough’s decisions have hindered the Republican agenda despite the party controlling the Senate. “It’s stalling a lot of the things we as Republicans are trying to do through reconciliation by having a Democrat parliamentarian — one person who’s not elected who gets to decide what policy stays in a bill or gets taken out,” he said.

Thune has yet to indicate plans to replace MacDonough. Historically, Senate leaders from both parties have retained parliamentarians across party changes, though the position is removable at the majority leader’s discretion.

The debate over MacDonough’s role continues as Republicans rely on reconciliation to advance key legislative priorities while navigating Senate rules.