Trump Calls on Senate Republicans to Scrap Filibuster and End Government Shutdown

Trump Calls for ‘Nuclear Option’ to End Shutdown

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 — Former President Donald Trump has called on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster rule in an effort to end the ongoing government shutdown, which has now stretched into its 30th day.

The filibuster requires 60 out of 100 Senate votes to pass most legislation. With a 53–47 GOP majority in the Senate and a 219–213 majority in the House, Republicans lack the votes to move bills forward without some Democratic support.

“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 Thursday.

No End in Sight to the Shutdown

The partial government shutdown, which began on October 1 at the start of the 2026 fiscal year, remains unresolved as both parties continue to clash over federal spending legislation.

Republicans have pushed for a short-term funding bill through November 21, while Democrats are demanding broader negotiations to renew federal tax credits that help Americans purchase private health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

Economic Costs and Worker Impact

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, potentially shaving up to 2% off the fourth-quarter GDP.

“Well, now WE are in power, and if we did what we should be doing, it would IMMEDIATELY end this ridiculous, Country destroying ‘SHUT DOWN,’” Trump said in another post on Oct. 30.

Approximately 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed since the shutdown began. While the administration has ensured continued pay for military personnel, federal law enforcement, and immigration officers, thousands of other government workers are working without pay.

Political Pressure Mounts on Capitol Hill

Analysts warn that the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the pressure will be on both parties to reach a compromise.
Eliminating the filibuster, however, could dramatically alter Senate traditions, increasing partisanship and reducing the ability of the minority party to influence legislation.

For now, both sides remain deeply divided, leaving federal workers, businesses, and American citizens waiting for a resolution.