Trump Calls on Republicans to Nix the Filibuster amid Government Shutdown

President Donald J. Trump on Thursday night publicly urged Senate Republicans to scrap the legislative filibuster—a long‐standing Senate rule requiring 60 votes to advance many pieces of legislation—in an effort to break the stalemate that has extended the federal government shutdown into its 30th day.

President Donald J. Trump

In a post on his social-media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote: “THE CHOICE IS CLEAR – INITIATE THE ‘NUCLEAR OPTION,’ GET RID OF THE FILIBUSTER AND, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

He added that if Republicans did not act, Democrats would do so “on the first day they take office, regardless of whether or not we do it.”

Trump’s call comes as a result of the ongoing funding impasse between Republicans and Democrats, which began when the new fiscal year opened October 1 and lasted through multiple missed deadlines.

With Republicans holding a 53-seat majority in the Senate but lacking the 60-vote threshold needed under current rules to advance most legislation, the filibuster effectively allows the minority party substantial leverage.

Trump argues that eliminating the rule would allow his party to act unilaterally and end the shutdown.

What the Filibuster Is—and Why It Matters

The Senate filibuster is a procedural safeguard by which a minority of senators can prolong debate indefinitely, thereby blocking a vote unless 60 senators vote to invoke cloture (end debate).

The so-called “nuclear option” refers to changing Senate rules by a simple majority (51 votes) to bypass the 60-vote threshold.

Supporters of the filibuster argue it protects minority voices and forces compromise, while critics say it often leads to gridlock.

Despite Trump’s urgings, senior Senate Republicans remain divided. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has reaffirmed his opposition, calling the filibuster “a bulwark against a lot of really bad things happening with the country.”

Other GOP senators, such as Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) have likewise voiced opposition. On the other hand, some Republicans—such as Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)—expressed openness to ending the rule given the shutdown’s consequences.

If Republicans were to abolish the filibuster for legislation, it would mark a dramatic shift in Senate norms and likely reshape future legislative politics. Analysts warn that eliminating the 60-vote threshold would make it easier for the majority party to pass large initiatives—but also increase policy whiplash when control of the Senate changes hands.

For now, the odds of immediate success appear slim. With only 53 Republican senators and several expressing resistance, GOP leadership lacks the margin and consensus to trigger the “nuclear option” unilaterally.

The shutdown continues, with potential repercussions for federal employees, SNAP benefits, national parks and flights.

Whether Trump’s call marks a turning point or a symbolic gesture remains to be seen. But it signals an escalation in the debate within his party—and among congressional Republicans—over the long-term role of Senate rules in shaping legislative strategy.