Newsweek, November 2025
Frustrated by the ongoing government shutdown, President Donald Trump has repeatedly called on Senate Republicans to go for the “nuclear option” and get rid of the filibuster in recent days.
“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!” the president wrote on Truth Social last week.
Trump is pushing his party to scrap the filibuster—the longstanding Senate rule that requires 60 votes to overcome objections. The Senate is currently split 53-47, with the GOP having the majority. Democrats have enough votes to keep the government closed while demanding an extension of health care subsidies that are slated to expire at the end of the year if Congress doesn’t extend them. Republicans, however, say those negotiations can happen after the government is funded.
