President Donald Trump has made a bold call for Senate Republicans to end the filibuster, urging them to invoke the “nuclear option” so the GOP can bypass Democratic opposition and end the ongoing government shutdown.
Trump’s Filibuster Challenge
After returning from a high-profile Asia trip, Trump took to social media to demand swift action from his party: “It is now time for the Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD’… get rid of the filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW!” The filibuster, a longstanding Senate rule that requires 60 votes to advance most bills, has been blocking efforts to pass a stopgap funding bill and reopen the government.
Shutdown Stalemate
The government shutdown has now dragged on for a full month, with no resolution in sight. More than a million federal workers are missing paychecks, SNAP benefits for low-income Americans are at risk of running out, and the Congressional Budget Office warns the shutdown could shrink GDP by as much as 2% this quarter. Senate Republicans hold a 53-47 majority but have struggled to win over Democrats, who insist on addressing healthcare subsidies and anti-poverty funding as part of any broader deal.
Political Risks and Divisions
Trump’s filibuster gambit is not without controversy, even among GOP senators. Many are wary that abolishing the rule would weaken their position if Democrats eventually retake control of Congress. Senate leaders have so far resisted Trump’s pressure, mindful of the long-term impact on the chamber’s balance of power.
What Comes Next
With mounting pressure from furloughed workers and the public, the standoff remains fraught and unpredictable. Trump’s push to “break the logjam” could permanently reshape Senate norms as the cost and pain of the shutdown mount day by day.