Trump Pushes for Filibuster Elimination Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Mon Nov 10 2025 23:16:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the government shutdown persists, President Trump calls on Senate Republicans to discard the filibuster, a legislative maneuver that requires 60 votes to pass most legislation, highlighting frustrations with Democratic negotiations.

President Trump has renewed his call for the Senate to eliminate the filibuster, a move aimed at breaking the ongoing government shutdown. While he argues that abolishing the filibuster would enable Republicans to pass funding measures more easily, GOP senators largely resist this demand. The filibuster, which requires 60 votes to advance most legislation, has been a tool for both parties in the Senate, leading to calls for bipartisanship even as tensions escalate over funding negotiations.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Frustrated by the extended government shutdown and the Democratic party's refusal to support a Republican funding bill, President Donald Trump is reiterating his demand for the Senate to abolish the legislative filibuster.

The filibuster has been a long-standing parliamentary tool that allows senators to impede legislation unless a supermajority of 60 votes is achieved. This method has historically hindered both Democratic and Republican agendas, and Trump has voiced concerns about it since his initial term in office.

Trump stated, “It is now time for the Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD’ and go for the Nuclear Option — get rid of the Filibuster, and do it now!” This statement was made on his social media platform late Thursday.

However, many Republicans in the Senate have historically opposed the removal of the filibuster, fearing it might lessen their influence if they fall into the minority camp in future Congresses. The institutional value of the filibuster is often cited as a means of fostering compromise and negotiation.

Understanding the Filibuster

The filibuster is not enshrined in the Constitution and did not originate from the founding principles of the Senate. It was unintentionally introduced after Vice President Aaron Burr criticized the chamber’s procedural rules in 1805.

Today, the use of the filibuster differs significantly from its dramatized portrayal in popular culture, like the famous 1939 film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” Currently, senators can simply announce their intention to filibuster, bypassing lengthy speeches yet still requiring 60 votes to proceed with legislation.

Previous Changes and Current Context

The filibuster has already been eliminated for judicial nominations, thanks to changes initiated by former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in 2013, and Republicans echoed this with their own modifications for Supreme Court nominations in 2017. Trump's recent remarks suggested that eliminating the filibuster could enable Republicans to appoint better judges, though this claim is contentious since a simple majority suffices for such appointments.

Additionally, Senate Democrats called for reforming the filibuster to address voting rights legislation in 2022 but faced dissent from two key senators who warned of potential repercussions for their party if Republicans gained control again.

Implications for the Ongoing Shutdown

With Republicans holding only 53 Senate seats, the party needs support from Democratic senators to surpass the filibuster threshold for funding legislation. Currently, negotiations are stalled over demands for extending health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which Republicans oppose as excessive given the short-term nature of the funding bill.

As the impasse continues, some Republicans, including Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio, have hinted that eliminating the filibuster might be a necessary step to re-open the government.

Republican Senators' Stance

Despite Trump's calls, many Republican senators are committed to preserving the filibuster. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has publicly defended its role in ensuring the Senate functions effectively and maintains bipartisanship. Others, including newer members, also endorse keeping the filibuster intact, emphasizing the importance of collaborative governance.

While House Republicans remain vigilant regarding the Senate's decisions, any influence they have appears limited, as Speaker Mike Johnson refrained from commenting on Trump’s push for a filibuster repeal.