On Thursday, former President Donald Trump urged Senate Republicans to adopt the “nuclear option,” a strategy that would eliminate the filibuster and enable them to end the ongoing government shutdown by passing legislation with a simple majority vote.
“The time has come for Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD’ and invoke the Nuclear Option. Get rid of the Filibuster, and do it NOW!” Trump stated on Truth Social.
Trump’s remarks followed his recent trip to Asia, where he claimed he was questioned about the Democrats’ role in the government shutdown and why the Republicans, despite their strength, allowed it to happen.
He highlighted that during President Biden’s tenure, some Democratic senators had advocated for ending the filibuster. At that time, President Biden and some party members proposed altering the filibuster to safeguard voting rights and abortion access, though this idea did not receive unanimous backing within the Democratic Party.
Trump further contended that Democrats would seize the chance to abolish the filibuster if it meant advancing initiatives such as granting statehood to Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
“Now that we hold power, taking decisive action would IMMEDIATELY end this absurd, nation-damaging ‘SHUTDOWN,'” Trump declared. “If the Democrats regain power, which would become easier if Republicans fail to leverage the significant Strength and Policies available to us by eliminating the Filibuster, they will surely act on it on their first day in office, regardless of whether we do so or not.”
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
