President Donald Trump has called on Senate Republicans to abolish the filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to pass most legislation, in a bid to end the ongoing government shutdown.
Trump made his appeal through social media, urging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Republican lawmakers to eliminate the filibuster and allow legislation to pass with a simple majority of 51 votes.
The filibuster, a procedural rule that allows the minority party to block or delay legislation, has long been a point of contention in the Senate. Trump’s call to end it reflects his growing frustration over legislative gridlock.
McConnell has previously resisted changing Senate rules, saying the filibuster encourages bipartisan cooperation. Eliminating it would require broad support from senators, many of whom are reluctant to set a precedent that could weaken minority party influence in the future.
Democratic leaders have opposed Trump’s proposal, warning that removing the rule could erode checks and balances and allow the majority party to push through its agenda unchecked.