WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has intensified his public pressure on Senate Republicans, urging them to invoke the “nuclear option” — a move that would allow legislation to pass with a simple majority — as the federal government shutdown stretches into its 30th day.
The president, frustrated with stalled negotiations and Democratic resistance, took to Truth Social on Thursday morning to issue one of his most forceful demands yet.
“It is now time for the Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD,’ and go for what is called the Nuclear Option — Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW!” Trump wrote.
Trump’s Renewed Push for Action
During his recent trip through Asia, Trump said the question that “kept coming up” was how Democrats were able to “shut down the United States of America” and why Republicans allowed it. The president said he thought deeply about the issue on his return flight, suggesting it was time for his party to act decisively.
“Majority Leader John Thune, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, are doing a GREAT job,” Trump wrote. “But the Democrats are Crazed Lunatics that have lost all sense of WISDOM and REALITY.”
He accused Democrats of succumbing to what he called “a sick form of Trump Derangement Syndrome,” arguing their refusal to negotiate has deepened the crisis for millions of Americans impacted by the government’s partial closure.
Stalemate in the Senate
The main roadblock remains the Senate’s 60-vote threshold to advance most legislation. Republicans, who currently control the chamber, are five votes short of the number needed to move forward on a short-term funding bill that would reopen the government at pre-shutdown levels.
All but three Senate Democrats have repeatedly voted against the Trump-backed plan. Meanwhile, federal agencies continue to operate with skeleton crews, and critical programs face interruptions.
Trump insists that the Democrats’ proposal — which includes roughly $1.5 trillion in additional spending, part of which would fund healthcare for undocumented immigrants — is unacceptable.
“That money will hurt American citizens, and Republicans will not let it happen,” he wrote.
Revisiting the “Nuclear Option”
Trump’s call to eliminate the filibuster marks a return to one of the most controversial ideas in Washington. The “nuclear option” would allow the Senate to pass legislation with a simple 51-vote majority, rather than the 60 votes typically required to overcome a filibuster.
In his post, Trump pointed out that Democrats once fought to end the filibuster but failed to do so because of opposition within their own ranks — notably from then-Democratic Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.
“Never have the Democrats fought so hard to do something,” Trump wrote. “They knew the tremendous strength that terminating the filibuster would give them.”
What’s at Stake
If Republicans were to use the nuclear option, Trump argued, the move would not only end what he dubbed the “Schumer Shutdown” — a reference to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) — but also enable sweeping changes to the federal government.
“Well, now WE are in power,” he said, “and if we did what we should be doing, it would IMMEDIATELY end this ridiculous, country-destroying shutdown.”
Trump also cited additional potential benefits, including the ability to more swiftly confirm judges, U.S. attorneys, and other federal officials.
“This was a concept from years ago of then-President Barack Hussein Obama and former Majority Leader Harry Reid in order to take advantage of the Republicans,” Trump wrote. “Now I want to do it in order to take advantage of the Democrats.”
Republican Reaction Remains Divided
Despite Trump’s push, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has shown no sign of abandoning the chamber’s long-standing rules. Thune reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the filibuster when Republicans assumed control earlier this year.
In a statement earlier this month, Thune said he had not held any discussions with the White House about invoking the nuclear option and warned against setting a precedent that could be exploited by future Democratic majorities.
Some Republican senators privately expressed concern that Trump’s demand could inflame partisan tensions rather than bring about a solution. Others, however, see the president’s frustration as justified given the prolonged stalemate.
Democrats Dig In
Democrats remain firm in their opposition, blaming the president for the shutdown and insisting they will not support any plan that excludes key funding priorities. Schumer, speaking on the Senate floor, called Trump’s demand for rule changes “an act of political desperation.”
“We’ve seen this before — when a president doesn’t get his way, he tries to rewrite the rules,” Schumer said. “But America is not a dictatorship, and the Senate is not a rubber stamp.”
Progressives within the Democratic Party also criticized Trump’s characterization of their spending proposal, noting that the funds would expand healthcare and housing support for vulnerable communities, not benefit undocumented immigrants directly.
Trump Doubles Down
Unmoved by the backlash, Trump followed up with another post hours later.
“BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THE DEMOCRATS HAVE GONE STONE COLD ‘CRAZY,’ THE CHOICE IS CLEAR — INITIATE THE ‘NUCLEAR OPTION,’ GET RID OF THE FILIBUSTER AND, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
He framed the standoff as a defining moment for his presidency and for Senate Republicans, calling on them to “finally stand up” to Democratic obstruction.
The White House has not confirmed whether the president plans to meet with Senate leaders in the coming days, though insiders say discussions are ongoing.
What Comes Next
The Senate is expected to reconvene Monday, with renewed debate over the short-term funding bill. If no breakthrough emerges, the shutdown will soon surpass the 2019 closure as the longest in U.S. history.
Analysts warn that prolonged gridlock could weaken public confidence in Congress and heighten economic uncertainty heading into the new year.
For now, Trump’s message remains consistent: the time for negotiation is over.
“The American people are tired of watching their leaders fail,” Trump wrote. “It’s time to act — not tomorrow, not next week, but right now.”
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
