President Trump Urges Senate Republicans to Eliminate Filibuster Amid Prolonged Government Shutdown

President Donald Trump has called on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster rule to expedite legislation and end the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 30th day. The filibuster requires a 60-vote majority in the 100-member Senate to pass most legislation. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority, falling short of the necessary votes to overcome Democratic opposition.

"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 social media.

The government shutdown began on October 1, the start of the 2026 fiscal year, due to a failure by Congress to agree on funding legislation. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, potentially reducing fourth-quarter GDP by up to 2%.

Approximately 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed since the shutdown commenced. While the administration has prioritized payments to military and law enforcement personnel, many other federal employees are working without pay.

"Well, now WE are in power, ... ,'" Trump posted on Thursday.

Senate Republicans have proposed a stopgap funding measure through ... , urging Democratic support. However, Democrats are demanding negotiations to extend expiring federal ... that assist Americans in purchasing private health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

The debate over the filibuster rule has intensified, with some Republicans considering its elimination to advance their legislative agenda. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed opposition, stating it would be a "bad idea." Critics argue that removing the filibuster could undermine the Senate's deliberative process and set a precedent for future majorities to do the same when in power.