Trump urges US Senate to scrap filibuster amid government shutdown
4 Min Read
US President Donald Trump calls on Republicans to invoke the "nuclear option" and eliminate the Senate filibuster to end the ongoing US government shutdown affecting millions.
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Donald Trump sits at a business roundtable discussion at a campaign event at Precision Components Group, Monday, August 19, 2024 (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
US President Donald Trump on Thursday called on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster, a key legislative threshold, as pressure mounts to resolve the ongoing US government shutdown.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that during his Asia tour, the question that kept being brought up to him was "how did the Democrats SHUT DOWN the United States of America, and why did the powerful Republicans allow them to do it?"
He stated that he sought to answer such a question, praising US Senate Majority Leader John Thune and US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and calling democrats "Crazed Lunatics that have lost all sense of WISDOM and REALITY," noting that they're suffering from "Trump Derangement Syndrome."
"[Democrats] want Trillions of Dollars to be taken from our Healthcare System and given to others, who are not deserving — People who have come into our Country illegally, many from prisons and mental institutions. This will hurt American citizens, and Republicans will not let it happen," Trump added in his post.
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The US president urged Republicans to invoke the so-called “nuclear option” by scrapping the 60-vote requirement needed to advance most legislation in the Senate.
“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.
He added, “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.'”
Filibuster debate resurfaces during shutdown
The filibuster rule allows for unlimited debate and is used by representatives to continue speaking to block legislation from moving forward. It has long been used by both Democrats and Republicans to force bipartisan negotiation and prevent majoritarian control.
Trump’s renewed push to eliminate the rule reflects deep frustration within Republican ranks, as the shutdown, which began on October 1, enters its second month. The move would represent a significant shift in Senate procedure, raising questions about legislative balance and minority rights.
Trump had also pushed to end the filibuster during his first term, though those efforts were unsuccessful.
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Shutdown impacts services and federal workers
The shutdown has led to widespread disruption across the United States. Thousands of federal employees remain without pay, while government operations, including air traffic control, economic data reporting, and park services, have been affected.
Among the most pressing concerns is food assistance. Approximately 42 million Americans are expected to lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning Saturday, if no resolution is reached.
Around 23.7 million SNAP recipients live in states that voted for Trump in the last presidential election, compared to 18 million in Democrat-leaning states and districts.
The growing crisis has prompted criticism from both parties, as low-income households brace for immediate food insecurity. Federal food stamp support is among the most politically sensitive aspects of the shutdown.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the US government shutdown could cost the economy up to $14 billion.
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