Trump Calls for Filibuster Elimination Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Sat Nov 01 2025 01:59:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump is urging Senate Republicans to abolish the legislative filibuster to break the deadlock over government funding, despite resistance from GOP leadership. The filibuster is a longstanding Senate rule requiring 60 votes to advance most legislation.

In a push against the government shutdown, President Trump has reiterated his demand for Senate Republicans to eliminate the legislative filibuster, arguing it would help them advance funding bills more effectively. This long-standing parliamentary tactic has historically required bipartisan support to overcome, and many Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, express reluctance to change it, fearing future loss of power. With the current shutdown escalating, tensions rise as both parties must navigate challenges to reach a resolution.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Frustrated by the ongoing government shutdown and Democrats’ refusal to back a Republican funding bill, President Donald Trump has once again called on the Senate to abolish the legislative filibuster.

The filibuster, a parliamentary procedure that halts action on most bills unless 60 senators in the 100-member chamber agree, has hindered policy goals for both parties. Trump has criticized the maneuvering since his first term in office.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump stated, 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 claims this would resolve the month-long government shutdown.

Despite Trump's pressure, many Republican senators are hesitant to eliminate the filibuster, citing concerns that removing it would undermine their power should they find themselves in the minority. The filibuster has traditionally encouraged compromise and bipartisanship.

Understanding the Filibuster

The Senate allows senators significant leeway in how they speak, making it possible to block votes using the filibuster, which originated in the mid-19th century. While not outlined in the Constitution, it has become a critical part of Senate procedure.

Today, senators typically signal their intention to filibuster, negating the need for prolonged speeches. A successful filibuster can be overcome with a 60-vote majority, after which legislation can proceed to a simple majority vote for passage.

Is the Filibuster Already Abolished?

The filibuster has been removed only for nominations. In 2013, Senate Democrats eliminated it for all nominations except for Supreme Court candidates, a move that was later reciprocated by Republicans in 2017, signaling a shift in Senate norms.

Trump's comments linking the elimination of the filibuster to the confirmation of judges have sparked confusion, since he only needs a simple majority for those appointments.

Earlier this year, as the government shutdown persisted, some Republicans, including Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, suggested reevaluating the filibuster to expedite funding legislation.

Republican Views on the Filibuster

While some House Republicans support Trump's call to end the filibuster, Senate leaders have largely resisted this demand. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has long defended the filibuster as an essential part of Senate function, asserting that it protects the nation.

Veteran senators emphasize the importance of the filibuster in facilitating dialogue and fostering compromise. Even newer members show solidarity against its elimination, arguing that principles should remain intact despite changing political power dynamics.

As pressure mounts, how Republicans navigate Trump's demands and the legislative filibuster will significantly impact the resolution of the current government shutdown.