Republican leaders reject ending filibuster, despite Trump’s demand

Republican congressional leaders have firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s demand to eliminate the Senate filibuster, a proposal he made to end the government shutdown, now in its 31st day, underscoring a rare public disagreement within the GOP. This swift rebuttal came just hours after Trump’s late-night social media post calling for the ‘nuclear option’ to bypass Democratic opposition and reopen the government. On Thursday, October 31, 2025, President Trump escalated the shutdown debate by urging the Senate to scrap the filibuster, arguing it was necessary to end the stalemate. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s spokesperson immediately stated that Thune’s position on the importance of the legislative filibuster remains unchanged, reinforcing his long-held view that it is a bulwark against drastic policy changes. House Speaker Mike Johnson, while acknowledging the filibuster is a Senate-specific issue, defended it as a vital safeguard, warning that its elimination could enable Democrats to pack the Supreme Court, grant statehood to Puerto Rico and DC, or ban firearms if they regain control. The filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to end debate on legislation, gives the minority party significant power to block bills. In the current 53-47 Senate, Democrats have used this to maintain the shutdown stalemate, demanding an extension of health care subsidies before agreeing to reopen the government. Johnson emphasized that Trump’s comments reflected the president’s anger at the situation, but GOP leaders stood firm in their opposition to changing Senate rules, citing the long-term institutional risks. The government shutdown, now in its 31st day, is one of the longest in U.S. history, causing widespread disruptions across the country. Federal workers are going without paychecks, SNAP food assistance programs are at risk of shutting off, and flights are experiencing delays due to reduced staffing. Trump’s intervention followed his return from an international trip, where he expressed frustration over the GOP’s inability to resolve the crisis, but Republican leaders remained resolute in their stance against altering the filibuster. Opposition to changing the filibuster is broad among Senate Republicans. Senator John Curtis of Utah posted on social media that the filibuster ‘forces us to find common ground in the Senate’ and declared himself a ‘firm no’ on eliminating it, emphasizing that principles should endure despite power shifts. Similarly, Senator Roger Marshall had earlier called the idea a ‘non-starter,’ highlighting its role in protecting minority rights and promoting compromise. Thune himself had previously ruled out such a move, and his reaffirmation provided relief to many in the party, with one GOP aide noting it gave them cover against pressure from the White House. This public rejection marks a significant departure from the usual alignment with Trump, as few GOP leaders have openly countered the president. The shutdown has deepened political tensions, with Democrats refusing to negotiate until the government is reopened and health care subsidies are addressed. Bipartisan talks among senators are quietly underway, but progress is slow, and the House remains adjourned under Johnson’s leadership, with no immediate plans to reconvene, leaving the legislative process at a standstill. The fallout from the shutdown is intensifying, with millions of Americans potentially losing access to SNAP benefits, and courts stepping in to order the administration to continue funding, though further legal consultations are expected. Trump has stated that his administration will seek court clarification to legally fund SNAP as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the political impasse may hinge on the outcomes of upcoming elections in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey, which could shift incentives for compromise. If the shutdown continues, it could surpass the 35-day record from 2019, increasing pressure on both parties to find a resolution and end the crisis.