On Thursday, former President Donald Trump urged Senate Republicans to employ the “nuclear option” to abolish the filibuster, which would enable them to end the government shutdown and pass bills with a simple majority.

“The time has come for Republicans to use their ‘TRUMP CARD’ and pursue the Nuclear Option — eliminate the Filibuster, and do it NOW!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump’s comments followed his recent trip to Asia, where he claimed he was questioned about how Democrats managed to shut down the government, and why Republicans, who held significant power, allowed it to happen.

He pointed out that during the Biden administration, some Democratic senators had also advocated for the elimination of the filibuster. Then-President Joe Biden, along with some senators, had proposed changing the filibuster rules to advance legislation on voting rights and abortion access, although this proposal failed to achieve full party support.

Trump further argued that if given the chance, Democrats would remove the filibuster to push through significant policy changes, such as granting statehood to Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

“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,’” Trump posted. “If the Democrats ever came back into power, which would be made easier for them if the Republicans are not using the Great Strength and Policies made available to us by ending the Filibuster, the Democrats will exercise their rights, and it will be done in the first day they take office, regardless of whether or not we do it.”

The Senate filibuster rule requires most legislation to receive 60 votes to make it through the chamber, giving more power to the minority party and essentially preventing the majority party from passing whatever legislation it wants. Rule changes over the years have meant that judges and other nominees only require a simple majority.

It’s not clear if Senate Republicans, who hold 53 seats in the chamber, would have the support to eliminate the filibuster entirely.

Senate Republicans have in recent days increasingly discussed changing the filibuster’s rules if Democrats do not end the shutdown, which has dragged on for more than 30 days. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has said he opposes weakening the filibuster.

Even Republicans who have in the past have voiced support for preserving the filibuster have suggested creating a carve-out to the 60-vote threshold to reopen the government could gain traction.

Senate Democrats have been united in opposing passage of a continuing resolution that would fund the government at current levels, saying they would only support the measure alongside an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year.

Lawmakers in both parties have warned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will begin to expire Nov. 1, and there is growing concern about increased flight delays at major airports because of the shutdown’s strain on air traffic controllers.

Updated at 11:09 p.m. EDT