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US President Donald Trump on Thursday urged congressional Republicans to immediately use the “Nuclear Option” to eliminate the Senate filibuster, a move that would allow them to end the ongoing government shutdown unilaterally with a simple majority vote.
In a social media post, Trump stated that since the GOP is in power, they should take advantage of this strength to “IMMEDIATELY end this ridiculous… SHUT DOWN.”
He also warned that Democrats would eliminate the 60-vote threshold once they regain office.
The directive immediately increased pressure on Republican leadership, who have long and firmly opposed killing the filibuster.
Top GOP lawmakers argue that the rule serves as a crucial safeguard for the minority party.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune maintained his position that the filibuster is a “bulwark against a lot of really bad things.”
Most Republican senators are aligned against Trump on this issue, suggesting he faces a steep battle within his own party.
The push to change the rules comes as the government shutdown nears the 35-day mark, threatening critical services like food aid.
