By Jim Thomas | Friday, 07 November 2025 05:50 PM EST
President Donald Trump on Friday pressured Senate Republicans to remain in Washington until a deal was reached to end the “Democrat Shutdown,” insisting that if no agreement was reached, they should “terminate the filibuster, immediately, and take care of our great American workers.”
The president’s remarks, shared on Truth Social, emphasized his demand for the Senate to resolve the funding impasse, which had entered its fifth week. He reiterated his long-standing call to eliminate the filibuster, a rule requiring 60 votes to advance most legislation, arguing it has hindered Republican priorities despite their majority. Trump previously criticized the filibuster in 2017 as “totally dysfunctional.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota rejected the proposal, reaffirming the party’s commitment to preserving the 60-vote rule. He called the filibuster an essential safeguard for minority rights, dismissing Trump’s push as unrealistic.
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats introduced a plan to extend government funding for one year in exchange for renewing Affordable Care Act subsidies. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer framed the proposal as a “reasonable, bipartisan way forward” but faced swift rejection from Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Thune called it a “nonstarter,” while Senator Lindsey Graham labeled it “terrible” and “political terrorism.”
The shutdown has disrupted federal operations, leaving hundreds of thousands of workers furloughed or unpaid. Flight cancellations and delays escalated, with over 900 flights canceled and 4,000 delayed by Friday due to staffing shortages and FAA mandates. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of potential further disruptions if the crisis persisted.
The Trump administration also sought to delay a court order requiring full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, citing legal challenges. U.S. District Judge John McConnell had mandated $4 billion in contingency funds to ensure SNAP benefits through November, highlighting urgent food aid needs.
