Johnson Defends Filibuster
Washington, D.C. — House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is standing firm in defense of the Senate filibuster, even as President Donald Trump urges Republicans to use the “nuclear option” to end the ongoing government shutdown and pass conservative legislation with a simple majority vote.
During a press conference Monday, Johnson revealed that he spoke with President Trump “multiple times” over the weekend, noting that “the filibuster came up” in their discussions about reopening the government.
“I understand desperate times call for desperate measures,” Johnson told reporters. “But the filibuster has long served as a vital safeguard for the Constitution and against the radical Left’s overreach.”
Johnson Warns Against a Future Democrat Power Grab
Johnson reminded conservatives that while removing the filibuster might provide short-term wins, it could give Democrats dangerous power if they regain control of the Senate.
“As much as I’ve wanted to blow up the filibuster at times, I’ve heard from my Senate colleagues — some of the most conservative members of Congress — who say it’s an essential check. It protects the country from the Left’s worst impulses,” Johnson said.
If the Senate chose to go nuclear, the chamber would only need 50 votes to pass a GOP-backed bill to reopen the government, bypassing the current 60-vote threshold required for most legislation.
Trump: ‘Play the Trump Card’ and End the Shutdown
President Trump, who has grown frustrated with Senate inaction, took to Truth Social last week with a fiery message to Republicans:
Trump urged Republicans to take decisive action, saying it was time to “play their Trump Card” by using the nuclear option — eliminating the filibuster once and for all to get America moving again.
The 45th President argued that eliminating the filibuster would allow the GOP to break the gridlock, reopen the government, and push forward America-First policies without Democrat obstruction.
GOP Divided but United in Frustration
Despite Trump’s call, top Senate Republicans — including Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) — have rejected the idea, warning that eliminating the filibuster could set a dangerous precedent. Thune called the move a “bad idea” that could empower Democrats in the future.
Johnson said he understands the President’s sense of urgency but stressed that conservatives must also protect long-standing constitutional checks and balances.
“President Trump is very passionate about this issue,” Johnson said. “We’re all passionate. We want the government reopened and the American people served — but we have to make sure we don’t hand Democrats the keys to do irreversible damage later.”
He closed by reminding reporters that the decision ultimately lies with the Senate:
“It’s not a House issue,” Johnson said. “But I trust my Senate colleagues will do what’s best for America.”
