President Donald J. Trump is once again demanding bold action from Washington — but this time, it’s members of his own party who are pushing back.
As the government shutdown stretches into its second month, the 45th president called on Senate Republicans to end the filibuster rule, known as the “60-vote threshold,” arguing it’s the only way to break the gridlock and reopen the government without bowing to Democrat obstruction.
Trump’s Call to Action
On Thursday, Trump urged lawmakers to trigger what’s known as the “nuclear option,” saying the rule gives Democrats far too much power to block progress.
“If the Democrats ever come back into power, they’ll do it the first day they take office,” Trump warned on Truth Social. “So why shouldn’t we act now?”
The president’s message was clear: Republicans should fight with the same determination Democrats would use if the tables were turned.
GOP Leadership Pushes Back
But not all Republicans agree.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said scrapping the filibuster could backfire in the future if Democrats regain control of Congress.
“The filibuster has always been a safeguard,” Johnson said. “If the shoe were on the other foot, our side wouldn’t like it.”
Johnson warned that if Democrats ever took advantage of such a change, they could push radical left-wing policies — from gun bans and Supreme Court packing to granting statehood for D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) echoed that concern, reaffirming his support for keeping the rule in place.
Meanwhile, Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) posted on X that he’s a “firm no” on ending the filibuster.
“The filibuster forces us to find common ground,” Curtis said. “Power changes hands, but principles shouldn’t.”
Shutdown Chaos and Public Frustration
The shutdown continues to cause flight delays, closed offices, and frustration for millions of Americans. Yet Democrats refuse to back a Republican-led plan that would fund the government at current spending levels.
To move a funding bill forward, Senate Republicans still need at least seven Democrat votes — an uphill battle that’s keeping Washington at a standstill.
Trump’s allies say his frustration reflects what many Americans feel.
“He’s as angry as the American people about this madness,” Speaker Johnson said. “He just wants the government reopened so resources can reach the people who need them most.”
A Stalemate That Defines Washington
While some Republicans have hinted at changing Senate rules if Democrats continue to block funding, the party lacks the votes to make it happen.
Thune and other GOP leaders are quietly exploring bipartisan “off-ramps,” possibly including votes on left-wing priorities like extending Obamacare subsidies in exchange for reopening talks.
After returning from his Asia trade trip, where he secured new deals to boost U.S. manufacturing, President Trump made his position crystal clear:
“I’m always willing to meet,” he told reporters Friday. “All they have to do is open the country. It’s their fault. Everything is their fault.”
Bottom Line
The fight over the filibuster has become a defining test of Republican unity — between Trump’s push for decisive action and congressional leaders’ cautious approach.
One thing is certain: as Democrats double down on obstruction, President Trump isn’t backing down.