WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged Republican senators to abolish the long-standing Senate filibuster rule, hoping to end the nation’s longest-ever government shutdown, now stretching into its 36th day.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting with Republican senators at the White House, Trump said ending the filibuster would speed up efforts to reopen the government and restore normal operations across affected sectors.
“We have to get the country open. The way we’re going to do it is by terminating the filibuster,” Trump said, calling it a “tremendous mistake” if the Senate failed to act.
The filibuster requires 60 out of 100 senators to approve most legislation a rule designed to encourage bipartisan cooperation. Currently, Republicans hold a 53–47 majority in the Senate and a slim 219–213 edge in the House of Representatives.
While Trump has previously pushed to end the rule, many Republicans remain reluctant, fearing Democrats would exploit the change once in power. Trump dismissed those concerns, arguing that ending the rule would allow Republicans to push through popular legislation and secure long-term control.
The president acknowledged the shutdown’s growing impact on the stock market, airline operations, and food aid programs for low-income Americans. He also admitted that the crisis may have contributed to Republican losses in recent local elections, calling the situation “unfair” to his party.
The ongoing shutdown now in its 36th day has surpassed the previous record of 35 days, set during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021. With key federal services disrupted and public frustration rising, pressure continues to mount on Washington to break the political deadlock.
