Sen. Steve Daines privately backed John Thune in a tight leader race.

According to Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman and a top ally of President-elect Donald Trump, Trump was supporting Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., to win the Republican leader election, even though he did not publicly endorse him.

According to sources, including a senator who was present, Daines, who delivered one of Thune's nominating speeches, stated that Trump was supporting Thune in his race against Sens. Scott and Cornyn.

Daines' office confirmed to Planet Chronicle Digital that he made a statement about Trump liking Thune before voting.

Despite receiving endorsements from Trump-aligned individuals such as billionaire Elon Musk and support from Trump-ally Senate colleagues, Scott was eliminated in the first secret ballot with only 13 votes.

Speculation existed prior to the race about whether Trump would be satisfied with a Thune win, given the strained relationship the two men had during and after Trump's first term as president.

According to Daines, Thune and Trump have repaired their relationship after being in contact since then.

Cornyn got 24 votes, but Thune won the leader race on the second secret ballot with 29 votes, which was two more than the necessary 27-vote majority.

Another top Trump ally, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., quickly endorsed the South Dakota Republican after he declared his candidacy.

Senator John Thune has been elected as the new Senate Majority Leader and Trump congratulated him on Truth Social, praising his quickness and predicting an outstanding job.

Despite Thune's reluctance to commit to allowing recess appointments, Trump privately supported him, as Daines suggested.

Thune stated that he would not confirm Trump's selections for his administration unilaterally during recess, but everything was on the table for discussion.

Neither Trump's transition team nor Thune's office responded to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.