Trump Calls for Eliminating Senate Filibuster to End Shutdown, Faces GOP Resistance
President Donald Trump today urged the Senate to eliminate the filibuster rule, a procedural hurdle requiring 60 votes to advance legislation, in an effort to quickly reopen the government, but his proposal was swiftly rejected by Republican leaders.
Trump made the demand in a late-night social media post Thursday, after returning from a week-long trip abroad, arguing that the filibuster allows Democrats to obstruct the government’s functioning while seeking an extension of health care subsidies. The government shutdown is currently in its 31st day, impacting services across the country and creating uncertainty for federal workers. Senate Majority Leader John Thune reiterated his long-standing opposition to changing the Senate rules, stating, “The safeguard in the Senate has always been the filibuster,” and emphasizing its importance for preserving the institution.
Other prominent Republicans echoed Thune’s sentiment, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who acknowledged Trump’s “anger at the situation” but defended the filibuster as a crucial check on power. Senator John Curtis of Utah posted on X, stating, “Power changes hands, but principles shouldn’t. I’m a firm no on eliminating it.” This resistance highlights a deep divide within the party, despite Trump’s efforts to exert influence. The debate over the filibuster is not new; Democrats previously considered eliminating it when they held full control of Washington, but ultimately refrained due to concerns about future repercussions – a situation now mirrored by Republican hesitation. For more on the history of the filibuster, see the Senate’s official history page.
The impasse continues as Democrats refuse to negotiate on reopening the government without a commitment to extend health care subsidies, while Republicans insist on reopening the government before addressing those concerns. The shutdown is causing widespread disruption, with impacts ranging from delayed flights to potential cuts in SNAP food aid, even as the White House has prioritized military funding. The situation is further complicated by recent court rulings requiring continued funding for SNAP, despite the administration’s efforts to curtail the program, as reported by the Associated Press.
Senators are scheduled to return Monday, with many anticipating a potential shift in negotiations after Tuesday’s off-year elections. Officials indicated that further legal consultation is expected on Monday regarding the SNAP funding issue.
