In a significant development, former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in the South Carolina Republican presidential primary, defeating the state's ex-governor, Nikki Haley, by a margin exceeding 20 points.

This victory has not only captured the attention of the public but also seems to have influenced the decision-making of the Republican congressional leadership.

Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD), the second most powerful Republican in the Senate, declared his endorsement for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign on Sunday. In his statement, Thune said, "The primary results in South Carolina make clear that Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee for president in this year’s pivotal presidential election. The choice before the American people is crystal clear: It’s Donald Trump or Joe Biden."

Thune further expressed his commitment to Trump's campaign, stating, "I support former President Trump’s campaign to win the presidency, and I intend to do everything I can to see that he has a Republican majority in the Senate working with him to restore American strength at home and abroad." He attributed his endorsement to the looming threat of "another four years of Bidenomics" and the ongoing "disastrous Biden-Schumer agenda," among other factors.

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With this endorsement, Thune has become the highest-ranking GOP leader in the Senate to back the former president, following Trump's decisive victory over Haley in her home state. Prior to this, Thune had endorsed Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) in the primary.

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Despite Trump's collection of notable Republican endorsements, including those from former primary rivals like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Scott, a few key figures in the leadership remain uncommitted. Thune's office confirmed his endorsement to the Washington Examiner on Sunday, leaving Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) as the remaining holdouts in the Senate GOP leadership.

However, Ernst may soon join the ranks of Trump's endorsers. She revealed in January that she was considering the possibility of endorsing Trump.