Trump Urges Republicans to Scrap Senate Filibuster Amid Lengthy Government Shutdown

Former President Donald Trump has called on Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster rule to break the ongoing government shutdown and push past Democratic opposition. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Democrats as “stone cold crazy” and demanded that Republicans invoke the “nuclear option” to end the stalemate.
The filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to advance most legislation, allows a minority of senators to block bills. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has resisted attempts to weaken or abolish it, stressing the importance of preserving long-standing Senate traditions. Despite the shutdown entering its 30th day, bipartisan efforts to reach a compromise remain ongoing.
While some Republican senators, such as Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, have expressed openness to Trump’s proposal, others remain firmly opposed. Senator John Curtis of Utah said the filibuster “forces us to find common ground,” while Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina reaffirmed that the rule “is not going away this Congress.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson also acknowledged Trump’s remarks but cautioned against removing the filibuster, describing it as an important safeguard that ensures balance regardless of which party holds power.