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Trump calls for Senate rule change to end U.S. government shutdown
The United States government remains at a standstill as a budget impasse in Congress has kept it partially shut down since October 1, 2025. Former President Donald Trump has called for abolishing the Senate rule requiring a 60-vote supermajority to pass legislation, commonly known as the filibuster. This procedural rule, which allows 41 senators to block bills before debate or vote, has historically been used by both parties to compel compromise.
Trump has urged Republicans to implement the "nuclear option," a rule change that would eliminate the filibuster and enable legislation to pass with a simple majority. He argues that this measure is essential to resolving the budget standoff, which has halted federal services and delayed pay for millions of government employees. Despite controlling both the House and Senate, Republicans have been unable to pass a budget without some Democratic support due to the filibuster.
The ongoing shutdown has had severe economic consequences, with losses estimated at $14 billion. Trump denounced the situation as "ridiculous" and warned that it is causing significant harm to the nation. During his presidency, Trump unsuccessfully pushed to abolish the filibuster, and now, with heightened urgency, Republicans face critical choices as they attempt to address the crisis.
