By Sam Barron | Monday, 03 November 2025 05:49 PM EST
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., is resisting pressure to eliminate the filibuster, asserting that “the votes aren’t there” to abolish the 60-vote threshold required for most Senate legislation. The move has drawn attention as the government shutdown inches toward becoming the longest in U.S. history.
Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have blocked a spending bill to reopen the government, citing unresolved issues. Thune confirmed discussions with former President Donald Trump, who earlier urged Republicans to dismantle the filibuster before Democrats could do so.
Trump’s social media posts warned that “the Democrats will terminate the Filibuster the first chance they get,” accusing them of planning to “Pack the Supreme Court” and “add at least 8 Electoral Votes.” He demanded Republicans “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!” to prevent a “DERANGED DEMOCRAT politicians” takeover.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., echoed Thune’s caution, emphasizing that ending the filibuster could backfire if Democrats regain control of Congress. He warned that such actions might enable sweeping changes, including statehood for Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and gun restrictions.
Sam Barron has nearly two decades of experience covering politics, crime, and business.
