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On Thursday, former President Donald Trump urged Senate Republicans to employ the “nuclear option” to abolish the filibuster, thereby enabling them to conclude the government shutdown and pass legislation with just a simple majority.
Trump expressed his stance on Truth Social, stating, “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!”
This statement followed his return from a trip to Asia, where he claimed to have been questioned about why Democrats shut down the government and why Republicans let it happen despite their strong influence.
Trump highlighted that during the Biden administration, some Democratic senators had previously advocated for ending the filibuster. At the time, President Biden and certain senators pushed to amend the filibuster to safeguard voting rights and ensure abortion access, though the idea did not achieve full consensus within the party.
Furthermore, Trump contended that if given the chance, Democrats would scrap the filibuster to pass measures 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