Trump Issues New Demand
Washington, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump is once again calling on Senate Republicans to end the filibuster and take bold action to reopen the government — warning that continued gridlock only helps Democrats and hurts the American people.
The former president’s demand for the Senate to use the so-called “nuclear option” shows his mounting frustration with Washington’s paralysis as the shutdown enters its second month. But resistance from several establishment Republicans threatens to prolong the standoff — and the pain for ordinary families.
Trump to GOP: ‘Stop Playing Nice – Democrats Never Do’
Trump made his case loud and clear on Truth Social, arguing that if Republicans don’t act now, Democrats will end the filibuster the moment they regain power — and then force through a radical left-wing agenda.
“If the Democrats ever came back into power… they will eliminate it on day one,” Trump warned. “Why should we hand them the advantage?”
It’s not the first time Trump has urged Republicans to drop the rule. During his first term, he made the same point — that Democrats play to win, while too many Republicans cling to traditions that only slow conservative progress.
Republicans Split: Thune and Curtis Say ‘No Deal’
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) are holding firm against ending the filibuster. Curtis argued on X that the rule “forces us to find common ground” and protects Senate “principles” — even as the shutdown continues to hit American families and small businesses.
Conservatives, however, say that “common ground” has vanished in the Biden-era Senate — where Democrats weaponize procedure to block everything from border security to spending reform.
Speaker Johnson Warns: Democrats Would Exploit It to Destroy America’s Foundations
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), while not a senator, echoed Trump’s frustration but issued a warning: eliminating the filibuster could give Democrats free rein to transform America permanently.
“If Democrats controlled the Senate without the filibuster, they’d make D.C. and Puerto Rico states, pack the Supreme Court, ban firearms, and crush the Constitution,” Johnson said. “The filibuster is a safeguard. Once it’s gone, freedom goes with it.”
Shutdown Drags On – and Frustration Boils Over
Behind closed doors, Trump allies say his patience is running thin as Democrats continue blocking a clean GOP resolution to reopen the government without new spending or welfare expansions. The result: airports disrupted, families frustrated, and essential services strained — all while Democrats dig in for political leverage.
“The President is as angry as every hardworking American,” Johnson added. “He just wants the government open again so the people can get what they’ve already paid for.”
Moderate Democrats Looking for an Exit — Thune Says Talks Ongoing
Thune told reporters this week that some moderate Democrats are quietly seeking a way out of the shutdown mess. He said he’s willing to discuss limited concessions, such as a short-term extension of Obamacare subsidies, but won’t cave to Democrat overspending.
Meanwhile, a handful of GOP senators have suggested tweaking Senate rules if the stalemate continues — though support for that move remains uncertain.
Trump’s Final Word: ‘Open the Country. Do It Now.’
Before traveling to Florida for the weekend, Trump reaffirmed his stance that Democrats are to blame for the crisis — and that he’s ready to meet once they agree to reopen the government.
“I’m always willing to meet,” Trump said. “All they have to do is open up the country. It’s their fault. Everything is their fault.”
For millions of Americans frustrated by the chaos, Trump’s message is simple: Washington must stop protecting itself and start serving the people again.
