Trump Pushing for ‘Nuclear Option’ to End Government Shutdown

President Donald Trump is calling on Senate leaders to activate a “nuclear option” aimed at resolving the ongoing government shutdown instigated by the Democrats.

With no indication that Democrats will change their stance, Trump has urged the Senate to filibuster a month after Congress halted operations. Over the past 31 days, almost every Democrat has voted to maintain the government closure, falling just five votes short of reopening it.

“That must be avoided at all costs,” he stated on Truth Social.

In a post late Thursday, Trump proclaimed, “It’s time for Republicans to utilize their trump card and abolish the filibuster—do it now!”

He emphasized that the GOP must take decisive action: “We are in power now, and if we do what we need to do, we will end this absurd, country-destroying ‘shutdown’ immediately.”

Furthermore, Trump warned that failing to eliminate the filibuster could allow Democrats to do so if they return to power. He mentioned, “If Democrats gain power, they will find it easier to end the filibuster if we don’t utilize the significant advantages it offers us.”

Trump also pointed out that two senators, Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, prevented Democrats from abolishing the filibuster during President Biden’s tenure.

While Trump’s influence often guides the party’s direction, many Republicans are hesitant about the idea of overriding the filibuster. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a strong supporter of maintaining the filibuster, expressed serious doubts about such a move early in the shutdown, calling it a “possibility” but strongly advising against it.

Thune remarked, “Well, there’s always that possibility,” acknowledging the situation during Trump’s administration. “But it’s not beneficial for anyone… We should avoid it at all costs.”

Republican Senator John Curtis from Utah echoed similar concerns, suggesting that eliminating the filibuster would hinder the Senate’s ability to forge consensus.

Trump has a long history of criticizing the filibuster; back in 2017, he labeled it a “joke” and claimed it would undermine the Republicans’ influence in the Senate.

As the impasse continues, there’s a chance that this shutdown could surpass the 35-day record set during Trump’s first term in office.