31 Days of Shutdown: Is Donald Trump Fearing the Filibuster Showdown?

Washington: Amid the 31-day US shutdown, President Donald Trump called for the Senate's filibuster rule to be completely abolished so that the government can be restarted immediately; the Republican leadership has opposed this move. 

What did Trump say, where, and why?

The US budget impasse has been going on for a month now, and its effects on the public are becoming clear—reduced air traffic service, disruptions in food aid, and increasing economic pressure on government workers. In this background, Trump asked his party's senators to remove the filibuster by adopting the 'nuclear option,' so that the shutdown could be ended by passing the funding bill with a majority.

What is the filibuster, and why did it become controversial?

Trump's argument is that the filibuster, which normally imposes a 60-vote barrier, would open the door to even bigger changes in future hands of Democrats—such as increasing the size of the Supreme Court, the addition of new states, and additional electoral votes. That's why he said that if Republicans do not stand up now, they will pay the real price. Trump gave this worrying and stressful message on his social media platform. 

How did the Republican leadership respond?

Still, top Republican leaders immediately distanced themselves. Several experienced members of the Senate pointed out that the filibuster is not only a tradition but also a means of minority protection; therefore, they are not in favor of removing it. Because of this internal opposition, Trump's proposal currently lacks widespread support in the Senate—and the only way to end the shutdown appears to be through traditional bargaining and negotiations. 

What is the impact of the shutdown and further prospects?

The analysis clearly shows that the immediate benefit of removing the filibuster may be a quick end to the shutdown, but in the long term it could have lasting effects on US parliamentary practices and the balance of power. Therefore, this debate among Republicans is not only of strategic but also of constitutional and institutional importance. Currently, public pressure is increasing on both political sides—and the next step will determine whether the United States exits the traditional agreement or changes the process and takes a new approach.