Donald Trump Urges Senate Republicans to End Filibuster Amid Government Shutdown Stalemate

washington, D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Senate Republicans to abolish the long-standing filibuster rule to overcome the ongoing Democratic deadlock that has prolonged the 30-day federal government shutdown.

The filibuster rule mandates that most bills in the U.S. Senate require a 60-vote majority to advance. Currently, Republicans control the House of Representatives with a 219–213 majority and hold a 53–47 majority in the Senate, falling short of the threshold needed to bypass Democratic resistance.

Taking to social media, Trump wrote, “It is now time for the Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD’ and pursue the so-called Nuclear Option – get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it NOW.”

Senate Divided Over Shutdown Resolution

As the partial shutdown drags on, Senate Republicans have urged Democrats to approve a temporary funding bill extending through November 21. Democrats, however, are seeking further negotiations to include the renewal of key federal tax credits that help Americans purchase Health Insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The political impasse began on October 1, marking the start of the 2026 fiscal year, after lawmakers failed to agree on a spending package to keep government agencies operational.

Economic Impact of the Shutdown

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has warned that the prolonged shutdown could cost the U.S. Economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, shaving off up to 2% from the nation’s fourth-quarter GDP. The economic disruption has already begun affecting multiple sectors dependent on federal spending.

Expressing frustration, Trump said, “Well, we are in power now, and if we did what we should be doing, this stupid, country-destroying shutdown would end immediately.”

Federal Workforce Bears the Brunt

Since the funding lapse, an estimated 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed. While the Trump administration has approved payments for essential personnel – including law enforcement officers, immigration officials, and military service members – thousands of others continue to work without pay.

The shutdown’s continuation threatens to worsen public services, disrupt key federal programs, and delay benefits, amplifying pressure on both Republican and Democratic lawmakers to reach a compromise.

Political Repercussions Loom

Despite Trump’s call to eliminate the filibuster, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has reiterated his commitment to preserving the rule, stating after last year’s election that it “would not be changed under his watch.” However, growing internal divisions within the GOP suggest a rising debate over whether maintaining Senate tradition is worth the cost of legislative gridlock.

As the standoff enters its second month, uncertainty continues to dominate Washington, with both parties under increasing pressure to reopen the government and prevent further economic damage.