Rep. Tim Burchett fired back on Monday at reports that Senate Majority Leader John Thune is trying to block his potential appointment to the U.S. Senate seat Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn will vacate in Tennessee. Speaking to radio host Todd Starnes, Burchett said a media figure told him Thune “does not want me, because I would not do what leadership told me to do.” The comments drew strong online reactions, with many viewing Thune’s reported stance as a reason to back Burchett.
The Fox News segment discusses the short list of potential replacements for the U.S. Senate seat that Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn will leave in Tennessee, displaying photos of Glenn Jacobs, Chuck Fleischmann, Tim Burchett, and Stuart McWhorter.
The footage focuses on the four options under consideration for Blackburn’s seat. The video alone doesn’t make it clear what specific statements Burchett made during the segment, as the audio focuses on the news discussion rather than a full interview excerpt.
According to the accompanying post and a related statement from radio host Todd Starnes, Burchett told Starnes that a media figure said Thune “had sent the word out that he does not want me, because I would not do what leadership told me to do.”
Burchett replied, “You know what? You’re exactly right,” and added, “I love the fact that he’s not for me.” He also noted that “the big boys are not for me” and that major party figures “are always for me the day after the election.”
A separate report from a Washington Examiner source stated that Thune has not had conversations with Blackburn about the appointment, and a source close to Blackburn’s team said she has not started interviewing candidates. Burchett has said he would run for the seat in 2028 if not appointed.
Responses to Burchett’s Comments on the Senate Appointment
Many users treated the reported opposition as a positive sign for Burchett. One wrote, “Honestly, that’s the best endorsement he could get. Burchett for Senate.”
Another said, “If John Thune is against you, Tim, you’re doing something right. Tennessee needs a fighter like you, not another go-along senator.”
A third commented, “The greatest endorsement for Tim Burchett filling Marsha Blackburn’s open Senate seat is that John Thune is against it.”
Others focused on broader frustration with Senate leadership. One user stated, “Yep! We don’t care what John Thune says; he’s the one who got us in this mess.”
Another added, “Neither Tim nor Kane would be ‘yes’ men for Thune or any other GOP leader.”
A few focused on concerns about retaining Burchett in his House role, with one saying, “I just don’t want to lose Tim as our TN2 rep.”
It remains unclear how the reported exchange will shape the final appointment decision, which rests with Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn. The comments continue to circulate as part of the ongoing discussion over who will fill the Tennessee Senate seat.
