Senator John Thune won enough votes to become the next leader of the Senate, sparking backlash from some supporters of newly elected President Donald Trump.

Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, received the most votes among Senate Republicans to become the next leader after the Republican Party regained a majority of Senate seats in this year’s elections. Thune was seen as a more traditional conservative choice, compared to Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Florida Sen. Rick Scott, the favorite of many MAGA experts.

“I am extremely honored to have the support of my colleagues to lead the Senate in the 119th Congress, and I am beyond proud of the work we have done to secure our majority and the White House,” wrote Thune said in a statement. “This Republican team stands united behind President Trump’s agenda and our work today.”

However, his victory sparked backlash from some MAGA experts who believe he has not been sufficiently loyal to the newly elected president.

Thune does not shy away from criticizing Trump and called his actions “inexcusable” on January 6, 2021, although he voted to acquit him.

“The Senate just fooled us and gave us Thune as majority leader. He *could* be worse than Mitch McConnell. So disgusting,” conservative commentator Joey Mannarino wrote in a post on X, the social media platform it was previously known for. like Twitter.

“Rick Scott missed the second round of voting by 2 votes ahead of Cornyn(.) MAGA is angry(.) We don’t want Thune or Cornyn!!” wrote commentator Rogan O’Handley.

“We need to know which senators voted for Thune and Cornyn. The American people wanted Rick Scott to come to power and we made that clear on November 5. This was an extremely important vote and the senators who voted against Scott must be impeached,” he wrote. Savanah Hernandez, a reporter for Turning Point USA.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk wrote that Thune “has a short window to show us that he will support President Trump, fill his Cabinet, confirm his judges and pass his agenda.”

“If he does that, we will support him. If he does not, we will work to remove him,” he wrote.

Other Republicans, however, praised Thune’s victory.

“I am fortunate to have started my Hill career with @SenJohnThune and am thrilled to see him become Senate Majority Leader. Senator Thune was an incredible boss, a kind, honest man, and I have never so proud to be part of Team Thune. Congratulations, Mr. Leader,” wrote Republican strategist Erin Perrine.

“Thune’s win over Scott is yet another example of people in DC not caring what Twitter pundits think or do,” Meghan McCain wrote.

“John Thune was the best option for Senate Majority Leader. The job requires a certain set of skills, and they are not the skills that have been loudly talked about this past week. I’m glad he was chosen. He will be. ” good in the role,” wrote the National Review Charles C. W. Cooke.