President Donald Trump on Nov. 4 called on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster, using a Truth Social post to argue that keeping the 60‑vote rule would stall his agenda and politically damage the GOP. The appeal came on day 35 of a federal government shutdown.
As voters cast ballots in off‑year races, President Donald Trump renewed his push to end the Senate filibuster, urging Republicans to adopt the so‑called nuclear option so most legislation could pass by a simple majority. Trump has made similar appeals during prior standoffs. (dailywire.com)
In his post, Trump said it would be “impossible for Republicans to get Common Sense Policies done with these Crazed Democrat Lunatics being able to block everything,” warning, “FOR THREE YEARS, NOTHING WILL BE PASSED, AND REPUBLICANS WILL BE BLAMED.” He argued that ending the filibuster would enable Republicans to secure “FAIR, FREE, and SAFE Elections,” tighten border policy, and deliver “Major Tax and Energy Cuts.” (dailywire.com)
Trump also asserted that Democrats would move to pack the Supreme Court and pursue statehood for Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico if the rule stays in place—claims he framed as warnings to Republicans rather than established plans. (dailywire.com)
He pointed to Democrats’ unsuccessful bid to weaken the filibuster during the Biden administration—a push blocked in January 2022 when Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema refused to support a rules change tailored to advance voting‑rights legislation. Both lawmakers declined to seek reelection in 2024 and have since left the Senate. (cnbc.com)
The latest call came amid a prolonged shutdown. Nov. 4 marked day 35, as agencies curtailed operations and states warned of interruptions to November SNAP (food‑assistance) benefits before federal judges ordered the administration to tap contingency funds to keep payments flowing, with delays still possible. Separately, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recalled furloughed staff to manage Medicare and Affordable Care Act open‑enrollment functions. (politico.com)
Republican leaders signaled resistance. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has repeatedly defended preserving the filibuster and said the votes aren’t there to end it. House Speaker Mike Johnson has cautioned against scrapping the rule, calling it a Senate safeguard even as he acknowledged frustration over the shutdown. (apnews.com)
Democrats previously floated filibuster changes to pass priority legislation—most notably on voting rights—and some, including then‑candidate Kamala Harris in 2024, backed ending the rule to codify abortion protections. Those efforts failed amid internal divisions and unified Republican opposition. (cnbc.com)