Donald Trump pushes to end filibuster as US shutdown drags into 30th day

US President Donald Trump on Thursday renewed his call for the elimination of the Senate filibuster rule, as the ongoing US government shutdown entered its 30th day with no resolution in sight.

The filibuster, a long-standing Senate rule, requires 60 of the 100 senators to agree before most legislation can advance.

Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate and a 219-213 edge in the House of Representatives, which is not enough to overcome the 60-vote threshold without some Democratic support.

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In a post on social media, Trump urged his party to invoke what is known as the “nuclear option”, which would allow the Senate to bypass the filibuster 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 wrote.

The call comes as the federal government remains partially shut down due to a stalemate over spending legislation. The shutdown began on October 1, the start of the 2026 fiscal year, after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a bill to fund key government services.

Around 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed or are working without pay since the shutdown began. While the Trump administration has prioritised pay for troops, federal law enforcement, and immigration officers, many other departments remain unfunded.

Economists have warned that the prolonged shutdown is taking a toll on the US economy. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated on Wednesday that the lapse in spending could cost the economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, potentially shaving up to 2 per cent off GDP growth in the fourth quarter.

Senate Republicans have urged Democrats to back a stopgap funding measure through November 21, hoping to temporarily reopen the government while negotiations continue.

Trump blamed Democrats for prolonging the impasse, writing that the filibuster gives the opposition unfair leverage.

“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 said.

However, Democrats have resisted, insisting on talks to extend federal tax credits that help Americans purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.