Trump's Push

President Trump urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster rule to end the ongoing government shutdown without Democratic support.

Context

The filibuster is a longstanding Senate rule that requires 60 votes to advance most legislation. With Republicans holding 53 seats and Democrats controlling 47 (including two independents who caucus with them), the threshold forces both parties to negotiate and compromise on major bills. The rule has been a defining feature of the Senate for decades, giving the minority party influence over legislation.

Trump's Push

Last Thursday, Trump called on Republicans to use the "nuclear option" to eliminate the filibuster and pass government funding with a simple majority vote. "It is now time for the Republicans to play their 'TRUMP CARD,' and go for what is called the Nuclear Option – Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW," he wrote on social media.

The government shutdown began on October 1 after Democrats blocked a Republican funding bill, demanding that any spending measure include an extension of healthcare subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year.

Republicans Resist

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) rejected Trump's demand, with a spokesman saying Friday that the senator's "position on the importance of the legislative filibuster is unchanged." 

Thune previously argued that the filibuster "makes the Senate the Senate" and protects against harmful legislation when the opposing party controls the chamber. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) called Trump's proposal "an expression of the president's anger at the situation" and noted that Republicans would not want Democrats using the same tactic if roles were reversed.

Broader Opposition

Multiple Republican senators indicated they would not support getting rid of the filibuster to resolve the shutdown. Senators from North Carolina, Alaska, Oklahoma, and Texas all stated their opposition, with one calling it "a nonstarter."

Some Republicans warned that eliminating the rule could backfire spectacularly if Democrats regain control of the Senate, potentially allowing passage of progressive policies like statehood for Washington, DC.