President Trump has called on Senate Republicans to "get rid of the filibuster", a long-standing tactic that allows Democrats to delay or block legislation, in order to bypass Democratic opposition and reopen the federal government.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that he had given this issue "great thought" during a flight back from Asia and declared that it was time for Republicans to take action. The filibuster requires 60 votes in a full Senate to overcome, but Trump's call suggests that he wants the Republican majority to be able to pass legislation without Democratic consent.
The move could significantly alter the way the Senate operates, with many fearing that it would undermine the balance of power and democratic processes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has yet to comment on Trump's proposal.
As the government shutdown enters its 29th day, the impact is becoming increasingly evident across the US. From Alaskans stockpiling food for winter to Mainers struggling with home-heating oil subsidies, the effects of a shuttered federal government are hitting home.
While quiet talks are underway between bipartisan senators, it remains unclear if lawmakers will follow Trump's lead or continue to negotiate with Democrats. The shutdown is expected to have dire consequences, particularly for those relying on SNAP food aid and facing skyrocketing healthcare insurance costs.
Trump's call comes as he returns from a successful trip to Asia, where he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and secured a trade truce. However, his focus on the filibuster has raised eyebrows among lawmakers and experts, who question whether Trump is attempting to bypass democratic processes or find a genuine solution to the government shutdown impasse.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that he had given this issue "great thought" during a flight back from Asia and declared that it was time for Republicans to take action. The filibuster requires 60 votes in a full Senate to overcome, but Trump's call suggests that he wants the Republican majority to be able to pass legislation without Democratic consent.
The move could significantly alter the way the Senate operates, with many fearing that it would undermine the balance of power and democratic processes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has yet to comment on Trump's proposal.
As the government shutdown enters its 29th day, the impact is becoming increasingly evident across the US. From Alaskans stockpiling food for winter to Mainers struggling with home-heating oil subsidies, the effects of a shuttered federal government are hitting home.
While quiet talks are underway between bipartisan senators, it remains unclear if lawmakers will follow Trump's lead or continue to negotiate with Democrats. The shutdown is expected to have dire consequences, particularly for those relying on SNAP food aid and facing skyrocketing healthcare insurance costs.
Trump's call comes as he returns from a successful trip to Asia, where he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and secured a trade truce. However, his focus on the filibuster has raised eyebrows among lawmakers and experts, who question whether Trump is attempting to bypass democratic processes or find a genuine solution to the government shutdown impasse.
... but at the same time, I kinda think it's cool that Trump's all fired up about fixing the problem 
! Like, who doesn't love a good challenge? And can you imagine if they could actually get some stuff done? 
It's just crazy how stuck we are right now in this government shutdown mess 
... but I'm holding out hope that somehow, someway, things will turn around 
. Maybe it's a chance for us to start thinking outside the box and come up with new solutions? Who knows, maybe this is just what we need – a shake-up! 
! If they really get rid of the filibuster, it could be a game-changer for our democracy 
! On one hand, it's def worth exploring ways to move legislation forward when we're stuck in limbo 
. But on the other hand, I'm scared that Trump's trying to muscle his way into passing whatever he wants without anyone else having a say 
#FilibusterFear
️! That could lead to some serious power imbalances 
. I'm not sure what Trump's endgame is here, but I hope he's considering the bigger picture 
#NotMyPresident #FilibusterFrenzy
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. i mean what's next, getting rid of the whole thing? 
. anyway this government shutdown is already having some pretty crazy effects, i'm low-key worried about all the people who rely on SNAP food aid 
. can we just get some real solutions for once instead of trying to game the system? 
also wonder what's behind this move, is he really trying to bypass democratic processes or just trying to get his agenda thru ASAP? 
not sure i trust his intentions, tbh... 
and have you seen the impact of this shutdown already? people are struggling to survive 
food stockpiling, heating oil subsidies...it's like trump doesn't care about the American people 
newsflash trump: we don't need some 60-vote filibuster to fix our problems, we just need to work together 
also i'm worried about how this affects ppl who are struggling already gotta stock up on food for winter 
... and it's all because of politics. Trump's idea to get rid of the filibuster seems like a bold move, but is it really gonna help or just make things worse? 
... what if this shutdown leads to even more problems? I hope our lawmakers can put aside their differences and find a way forward that doesn't hurt the people who need it most 
SNAP food aid and healthcare insurance costs skyrocketing...it's just not right. senate majority leader john thune needs to come out and say something about this ASAP, like, what's up with that silence? 
but honestly, trump's actions are making me super skeptical about his intentions 
. The thing is, he seems to want to just muscle his way through legislation without anyone getting in his face. Problem is, that doesn't sound like how democracy works. Like, I get it, people get frustrated when things drag on for ages, but this feels like a slippery slope. I mean, what's the point of even having a Senate if you can just do whatever and not have to work with anyone else? It sounds super powerful, but also kinda scary? 
and why would republicans want to get rid of it? sounds like they're gonna give trump exactly what he wants. i guess we'll see what happens when senate majority leader thune speaks up 
it makes me wonder, what's the point of having a majority in senate if they can just override whatever opposition comes their way? doesn't that go against the whole purpose of democracy? 