Washington, D.C. [US], November 2 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Republicans to abolish the Senate filibuster, warning that Democrats would eventually eliminate it to expand their political control if given the opportunity.
Trump cautioned that Democrats would end the filibuster and “pack the Supreme Court,” adding that they would “add two new states and eight electoral votes.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Remember, Republicans, regardless of the Schumer Shutdown, the Democrats will terminate the Filibuster the first chance they get. They will pack the Supreme Court, pick up two states, and add at least eight electoral votes. Their two objectors are gone! Don’t be weak and stupid. Fight, fight, fight! Win, win, win!”
The filibuster—a Senate rule requiring 60 votes to advance most legislation—has long been a source of contention in Washington. Trump noted that several Democratic senators, including those under then-President Joe Biden, had previously sought changes to the rule to safeguard voting rights and abortion access. However, those efforts failed to gain full party support.
Trump vowed to end what he called the “Extortionist Shutdown” and advance his agenda, referring to Democratic politicians as “deranged.” He wrote, “We will immediately end the extortionist shutdown, get all of our agenda passed, and make life so good for Americans that these deranged Democrat politicians will never again have the chance to destroy America!”
Calling the issue “bigger than the shutdown” and vital to the nation’s survival, Trump added, “Republicans, you will rue the day that you didn’t terminate the filibuster! Be tough, be smart, and win! This is much bigger than the shutdown—this is the survival of our country!”
This is not the first time Trump has called for an end to the filibuster. On October 31, he urged Senate Republicans to invoke the “nuclear option” and abolish the rule, arguing that doing so would allow them to end the government shutdown and pass legislation with a simple majority.
“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!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Trump’s comments followed his return from an Asia trip, during which he said he was questioned about “how Democrats shut down the government, and why the powerful Republicans allowed them to do it.”
He contended that Democrats would not hesitate to scrap the filibuster if given the chance to pursue their legislative priorities, such as granting statehood to Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
Under the current rule, the minority party holds significant influence in blocking bills, limiting the majority’s ability to pass its agenda. While past reforms have reduced the threshold for confirming judges and nominees to a simple majority, broader legislative changes still require 60 votes, according to The Hill.
With Senate Republicans holding 53 seats, it remains unclear whether they have sufficient support within their ranks to eliminate the filibuster entirely.
In recent days, some GOP lawmakers have discussed potential rule changes if Democrats refuse to end the shutdown. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has publicly opposed weakening the filibuster, The Hill reported.
Even Republicans who have previously favored preserving the rule have suggested a limited exemption to the 60-vote threshold to facilitate reopening the government.
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have maintained their stance against passing a continuing resolution that preserves current funding levels. They have insisted that any such measure must also include an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could begin expiring on November 1, amid growing anxiety over flight delays at major airports caused by the shutdown’s impact on air traffic controllers, The Hill added. (ANI)
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