By Mark Swanson | Friday, 31 October 2025 04:44 PM EDT
The office of Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., confirmed Friday that his support for the filibuster remains “unchanged” despite President Donald Trump’s repeated calls to eliminate it. Reports indicate Trump is urging Thune to invoke the “nuclear option”—a move to abolish the Senate filibuster rule and lower the 60-vote threshold required to pass most legislation—to resolve the ongoing government shutdown.
Thune’s office stated, “Leader Thune’s position on the importance of the legislative filibuster is unchanged,” a sentiment echoed by his spokesman. The senator previously labeled the proposal a “bad idea” and aligned with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who also opposed using the tactic to end the stalemate. 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 long been a cornerstone of procedural debate. With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority in the chamber, Thune has consistently defended the tradition. During his leadership campaign and inaugural speech, he emphasized preserving the “Founders’ vision of the United States Senate,” stressing the filibuster’s role in safeguarding legislative deliberation.
Despite Thune’s stance, several Republican senators have floated the idea of scrapping the rule. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., described it as a “viable option” to break the impasse, while Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., suggested Democrats would “force” Republicans to act. Meanwhile, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., argued, “I’m not willing to see children in my state go hungry… over some Senate procedure.”
Trump’s latest push came after Senate Democrats voted for the 13th time to maintain the government shutdown, intensifying pressure on GOP leaders to adopt a more aggressive approach. However, Thune’s commitment to the filibuster remains firm, reflecting broader divisions within the party over how to address the crisis.
