Trump Urges GOP to End Shutdown by Axing Filibuster

Washington, D.C. — After nearly a month of government shutdown, former President Donald Trump has weighed in with a controversial suggestion for Republican leaders: eliminate the filibuster to swiftly end the impasse. Trump’s comments came late Thursday on Truth Social, where he urged fellow Republicans to take what he terms the ‘nuclear option’ in the Senate.

“BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THE DEMOCRATS HAVE GONE STONE COLD ‘CRAZY,’ THE CHOICE IS CLEAR — INITIATE THE ‘NUCLEAR OPTION,’ GET RID OF THE FILIBUSTER AND, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote.

However, Trump’s call to action clashes with the prevailing sentiment within Republican leadership. Congressional leaders have repeatedly rejected such drastic measures, fearing that ending the filibuster could backfire when Democrats regain control of the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has consistently supported preserving the filibuster, which he describes as a safeguard against extreme legislation. Spokesman Ryan Wrasse reaffirmed Thune’s stance on Friday, stating, “Leader Thune’s position on the importance of the legislative filibuster is unchanged.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, while typically aligned with Trump, has also voiced caution about eliminating the filibuster. In a recent statement, he warned that Democrats could leverage such a change to pass significant measures if they retake the Senate.

Despite Trump’s influence, polling data reveals a stark reality: 45% of Americans hold Trump and his party accountable for the shutdown, compared to 33% who blame Democrats. This suggests that Trump’s proposals might complicate the GOP’s messaging and accountability surrounding the shutdown.

Opposition to eliminating the filibuster is strong among GOP senators, with many arguing it encourages bipartisan compromise and protects minority rights. Freshman Senator John Curtis of Utah stated, “The filibuster forces us to find common ground in the Senate. Power changes hands, but principles shouldn’t. I’m a firm no on eliminating it.”

As frustration mounts over the ongoing stalemate, two key GOP figures—Thune and Johnson—have swiftly dismissed Trump’s proposal. This division illustrates the challenges faced by Republican leaders trying to navigate party unity amid a complex legislative landscape.

In the face of dwindling government resources, Sen. John Fetterman has expressed dismay at the implications of the shutdown, urging his colleagues to prioritize the needs of Americans impacted by the deadlock. “It’s an absolute failure what occurred here for the last month,” Fetterman told reporters.

The situation continues to evolve, with public pressure mounting for a resolution as the deadline for federal assistance looms.