President Donald Trump said on Thursday that it is time to eliminate the Senate's filibuster practice to avoid Democratic obstruction during a federal government shutdown.

The "filibuster" is a Senate rule that requires 60 out of 100 senators to agree for most bills to pass. Republicans hold a majority in the Senate with 53-47 and in the House of Representatives with 219-213.

"It is time for the Republicans to play their Trump card and go for the so-called Nuclear Option," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Get rid of the Filibuster, now!"

As of Thursday, the government shutdown has entered its 30th day with no end in sight.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) stated on Wednesday that the federal government shutdown could cost the U.S. economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, with a decrease in government spending potentially reducing fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) by as much as 2%.

President Trump posted a two-part statement on Truth Social late Thursday night, stating:

I have just returned from Asia. I met with leaders of many countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It was a great honor to meet them, but most importantly, I am even more pleased to see that America is once again being respected – more so than ever before! Great trade deals have been made, long-term relationships have been built, and funds are pouring into our country thanks to tariffs and, frankly, the overwhelming results of the 2024 Presidential Election. However, one question that was continuously raised was: How did the Democrats paralyze our Country, and why did a strong Republican Party let them get away with it? In fact, on the plane ride back, I gave a lot of thought to that question, 'Why?'

While Senate Minority Leader John Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson are doing a terrific job, the Democrats are insane zealots who have completely lost their minds and any sense of reality. This is a pathological form of the now 'legendary' Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), brought on by a losing streak that has gone too far. They want to take trillions of dollars out of our Healthcare system and give it to those who are not entitled to it -- people who have illegally entered our Country, many of whom come from prisons and mental institutions. This will hurt the American citizens, and the Republican Party will not stand for it. It is time for the Republicans to play their Trump card and go for the so-called Nuclear Option. It is time for the Republicans to play their Trump card and go for the so-called Nuclear Option. Get rid of the Filibuster, now! Not so long ago, the Democrats, when they were in power, fought for this for three years, but were unsuccessful because of Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. The Democrats have never pushed for something so desperately, knowing the immense power that the elimination of the Filibuster would bring them. They are trying to push through vast expansions (filling!) of the Supreme Court, statehood for Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico (which would automatically give them four Senate seats, a House Majority, and at least 8 electoral votes!), and so many other destructive things. Well, we now have the power. If we do what we are supposed to do, this ridiculous and destructive 'Shutdown' will end immediately. If the Democrats regain power, it will be easier for them, and they will do their thing on day one, whether we do or not, by utilizing the tremendous power and policies that the Republicans gained from the termination of the Filibuster. In addition to the myriad of benefits that we will achieve, including obtaining the best judges, the best federal prosecutors, and the best talent in all areas, this was a strategy devised many years ago by President Barack Hussein Obama and former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to put pressure on the Republicans. I now want to implement it to put pressure on the Democrats....

Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed concerns on Friday about invoking the nuclear option to end the Senate's filibuster rules and reopen the government, Newsmax reported.

He stated that the filibuster has long served as a "very important safety valve" and added, "I don't think our side would appreciate it if the shoe were on the other foot."

Johnson acknowledged frustration with the delays in passing legislation but did not endorse changing the rules. He argued that the minority party's ability to block or delay legislation is essential for institutional stability.

He suggested that compromise remains the more desirable path and remarked that the Senate devolving into a simple majority-rule institution like the House might not be "what our Founding Fathers intended."

By Sung Ku Hong