Trump pushes Senate GOP to scrap filibuster amid shutdown crisis
President Trump's latest call to action has ignited a fierce debate over the future of governance.
President Donald Trump, in a fiery Truth Social post on Thursday, urged Senate Republicans to invoke the so-called "nuclear option" and scrap the filibuster to end a 30-day government shutdown with a simple majority vote, as reported by the New York Post. This drastic step would bypass the current 60-vote threshold that has stalled a Republican-backed resolution to restore federal funding since it lapsed on Oct. 1.
Trump's frustration boiled over after a whirlwind Asia trip, where he faced repeated questions about how Democrats managed to "shut down the United States of America" and why Republicans allowed it. Reflecting on his long flight back from South Korea, he admitted to wrestling with the question of "WHY?" and seems determined to force a resolution.
Trump's Bold 'Trump Card' Proposal
"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 declared in his Truth Social post. Such a move, he argues, would not only end the shutdown but also prevent Democrat demands that he believes "will hurt American citizens."
Trump didn't hold back in critiquing the opposition, calling Democrats "Crazed Lunatics that have lost all sense of WISDOM and REALITY" due to what he termed "Trump Derangement Syndrome." While his words are sharp, they underline a deeper concern that partisan gridlock is punishing everyday Americans who rely on government services.
The president pointed to past Democrat efforts to abolish the filibuster, noting how Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema blocked such attempts during their tenure. He suggested that if Democrats had succeeded then, they would have pushed radical changes like expanding the Supreme Court or granting statehood to Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico for political gain.
Shutdown Stalemate and Senate Resistance
Since federal funding expired on Oct. 1, Senate Democrats, with all but three voting against it, have rejected the Trump-supported short-term funding resolution over a dozen times. Republicans, needing just five more votes to advance the bill, remain stuck in a legislative quagmire.
Trump argued that eliminating the filibuster would not only resolve the current crisis but also pave the way for appointing "the best Judges, the best US Attorneys, the best of everything." His vision is clear: break the barrier now to secure long-term wins for Republican priorities.
Yet, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who pledged to preserve the filibuster when Republicans took control in January, has pushed back against this idea. Earlier this month, Thune dismissed using the nuclear option and confirmed he hasn’t even discussed it with the White House.
Democrat Tactics Under Fire
Trump's rhetoric intensified in a separate Truth Social post, where he stated, "BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THE DEMOCRATS HAVE GONE STONE COLD 'CRAZY,' THE CHOICE IS CLEAR — INITIATE THE 'NUCLEAR OPTION,' GET RID OF THE FILIBUSTER AND, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" His exasperation highlights a belief that Democrat obstructionism is not just politics but a reckless disregard for national stability.
The president also drew parallels to past Democrat leaders like Barack Obama and Harry Reid, who once sought to dismantle the filibuster for their own advantage. Now, Trump wants to turn the tables, using the same tactic to outmaneuver an opposition he sees as unhinged and destructive.
While Trump's strategy is rooted in a desire to protect American citizens from the fallout of this shutdown, it raises questions about the long-term impact on Senate tradition. Changing rules for a quick fix might empower future majorities to steamroll over minority voices, a concern even some conservatives share.
A Nation Awaits Resolution
As the shutdown drags on, Trump's call to ditch the filibuster is a lightning rod for both supporters and skeptics. It’s a high-stakes gamble that could either jumpstart governance or fracture the delicate balance of Senate power for years to come.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senator Thune, praised by Trump as doing a "GREAT job," face immense pressure to navigate this crisis without alienating their base or their principles. The question remains whether they’ll heed the president’s urgent plea or hold fast to institutional norms.
For now, Americans caught in the crossfire of this political standoff can only hope for a swift end to the impasse. Trump’s nuclear option may be a long shot, but it’s a stark reminder that patience with partisan gamesmanship is wearing thin across the nation.





