Trump calls on Republicans to nuke filibuster to resolve shutdown

President Donald Trump on Thursday called on Senate Republicans to eliminate the legislative filibuster — known as the “nuclear option” — in order to end the government shutdown that has now stretched beyond 30 days.

“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!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He argued that removing the 60-vote requirement for most legislation would allow Republicans to reopen the government immediately.

Trump made the comments following a trip to Asia, where he said he faced questions about the shutdown, including “how Democrats shut down the government, and why did the powerful Republicans allow them to do it?”

He also pointed to past Democratic calls to weaken or eliminate the filibuster and suggested they would act quickly if given the opportunity, citing policies like statehood for Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

“Well, now WE are in power, and if we did what we should be doing, it would IMMEDIATELY end this ridiculous, Country destroying ‘SHUT DOWN,’” Trump wrote. “If the Democrats ever came back into power…they will exercise their rights, and it will be done the first day they take office, regardless of whether or not we do it.”

The filibuster currently requires 60 votes for most legislation, giving the minority party significant influence. Judicial and executive nominees are exceptions, requiring only a simple majority.

Senate Republicans hold 53 seats, and it remains uncertain whether they would support eliminating the filibuster entirely. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has opposed weakening the rule, though some Republicans have floated creating exceptions specifically to pass funding legislation.

Senate Democrats have remained unified in rejecting a continuing resolution that funds the government at current levels, insisting that any deal include an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.

The shutdown has already affected federal operations. Lawmakers warn that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits could begin expiring Nov. 1, while aviation officials have expressed concern over flight delays due to strain on air traffic controllers.

As the shutdown drags on, the question of whether Republicans will overhaul a decades-old Senate rule to reopen the government has emerged as a central test of their legislative power.