Trump Pressures Senate to Abolish Filibuster Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Sat Nov 01 2025 02:13:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump renews his call for the Senate to eliminate the legislative filibuster as a means to resolve the month-long government shutdown, sparking debate among Republican lawmakers about its potential impact.

In light of the prolonged government shutdown, President Trump has urged the Senate to eliminate the legislative filibuster, which requires 60 votes to advance most legislation. While he argues this move would allow Republicans to bypass Democratic opposition, many Senate Republicans are hesitant to discard the filibuster, fearing its removal could undermine their future influence when in the minority. The debate continues as both parties navigate funding negotiations amid political tensions.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump, expressing frustration over the ongoing government shutdown, has once again called for the Senate to eliminate the legislative filibuster. This longstanding parliamentary procedure requires 60 senators to vote to move forward on most bills, which has become a hurdle in funding negotiations amid the shutdown.

Trump tweeted Thursday night, calling on Republicans to play their 'TRUMP CARD' and utilize what is known as the Nuclear Option, advocating for the immediate elimination of the filibuster. 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 stated.

While Trump pushes for this drastic measure to resolve the month-long impasse, many Senate Republicans remain resistant, warning that abolishing the filibuster would weaken their influence when they find themselves in the minority.

The filibuster, though not mentioned in the Constitution, is a craftily utilized rule allowing senators to block votes by simply announcing their opposition. Despite its historical context, Trump sees the repeal of this rule as the key to pushing through Republican legislative priorities, especially in light of the current funding standoff.

The calls for reform of the filibuster have resurfaced amid negotiations over a stopgap funding bill, with Democrats demanding extended subsidies under the Affordable Care Act as part of a deal. In response, Republicans have cited these demands as a costly hurdle.

Some Republicans, including Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio, have echoed Trump’s sentiment, suggesting it may be time to rethink the filibuster to facilitate government operations. However, most Senate leaders have historically defended the procedure for encouraging compromise.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and many experienced senators argue that preserving the filibuster is crucial for the integrity of the Senate, emphasizing its role in protecting bipartisan cooperation. The political discourse surrounding the filibuster illustrates the nuanced dynamics of power within Congress, especially as funding deadlines loom and strategies align.