Trump Urges End to Senate Filibuster as Government Shutdown Drags Into 30th Day

Republican U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called for the abolition of the Senate filibuster rule to break a Democratic blockade as the government shutdown entered its 30th day.

The filibuster requires 60 votes in the 100-member Senate to pass most legislation. Republicans currently hold a 53–47 majority in the Senate and a 219–213 majority in the House of Representatives.

“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 wrote on social media.

Despite mounting economic pressure, there was no sign of a resolution on Thursday. Senate Republicans have pushed for a stopgap funding bill through November 21, while Democrats are demanding negotiations over expiring federal tax credits that help Americans purchase private health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

The shutdown, which began October 1, marked the start of the 2026 fiscal year and stemmed from a deadlock between Republicans and Democrats over government spending bills.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the ongoing shutdown could cost the U.S. economy $7–14 billion, potentially shaving up to 2% off fourth-quarter GDP due to halted federal spending.

“Well, now WE are in power, and if we did what we should be doing, it would IMMEDIATELY end this ridiculous, country-destroying ‘SHUTDOWN,’” Trump wrote.

Roughly 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed since funding lapsed. The Trump administration has authorized continued pay for military personnel, federal law enforcement, and immigration officers, but many other government employees are working without pay.