Trump Tells Senate Republicans to Scrap Filibuster Rule to End Shutdown

President Donald Trump on Thursday called on congressional Republicans to end the ongoing government shutdown by taking the extraordinary step of abolishing the Senate filibuster — a move GOP leaders have long resisted.

“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 in a Truth Social post.

The president’s message, coming shortly after his return from an overseas trip, immediately shifted the dynamic on Capitol Hill and increased pressure on Republican leadership. Party leaders have consistently argued against scrapping the filibuster’s 60-vote threshold, saying it protects Republicans from future Democratic majorities and encourages bipartisan cooperation.

The Senate’s filibuster rule allows the minority party to block legislation unless at least 60 senators agree to move forward. Supporters of the rule say it prevents sweeping partisan changes and forces lawmakers to find common ground.

Earlier this month, Senate Majority Leader John Thune ruled out changing the Senate’s rules to resolve the shutdown, calling the filibuster “something that’s been a bulwark against a lot of really bad things happening with the country.” Thune also said at the time that he had received no pressure from the White House to alter the rule.

Trump, however, appeared to take a different approach on Thursday, urging Republicans to use their majority power to end the standoff.

“Now WE are in power, and if we did what we should be doing, it would IMMEDIATELY end this ridiculous, Country destroying ‘SHUT DOWN,’” the president wrote. “If the Republicans are not using the Great Strength and Policies made available to us by ending the Filibuster, the Democrats will exercise their rights, and it will be done in the first day they take office, regardless of whether or not we do it.”

Trump’s statement came as lawmakers in both parties expressed cautious optimism that talks were inching toward progress, though a final deal to reopen the government still appeared distant.

The Senate is scheduled to return to Washington on Monday evening, with the shutdown nearing its 35th day — the longest in U.S. history.

Meanwhile, critical food assistance for tens of millions of Americans is set to lapse over the weekend, and the White House on Thursday convened a roundtable of airline industry representatives and union leaders to discuss the strain the shutdown is placing on air traffic controllers and other essential workers.

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