Donald Trump told Politico he wants Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster so his party can more easily pass its 2026 agenda and avoid future government shutdowns. He argued the rule "is hurting the Republican Party" and said dispensing with it would enable action on issues such as health care and voter ID. Republicans hold a narrow 53-47 Senate majority, and the debate comes as economic reports show cooling inflation even as many Americans feel financially insecure.
Trump Urges Senate Republicans To End Filibuster To Fast-Track 2026 Agenda
Donald Trump said that scrapping the filibuster would prevent another government shutdown.Photograph: Aaron Schwartz/EPA
Donald Trump has urged Senate Republicans to abolish the Senate filibuster — the procedural rule that allows a minority of senators to block most legislation — arguing that ending it would make it easier to advance his party's priorities and prevent future government shutdowns ahead of the 2026 midterms.
What He Said
"The filibuster is hurting the Republican Party," Trump told Politico, calling on Senate Republicans to eliminate it "without question." "If you get rid of the filibuster, you’re not going to have a shutdown. You can do everything. You can do great health care if you get rid of the filibuster. We can do everything we want."
Why The Debate Matters
The filibuster is often defended as a protection for the Senate minority and institutional stability. It requires a 60-vote threshold to close debate on most legislation, giving the minority leverage to block bills. Senators from both parties often resist scrapping it because they fear being steamrolled when control shifts.
Republicans currently hold a narrow 53-47 majority in the Senate, leaving little margin for defections if they were to pursue major legislation by simple majority vote. Trump has framed the change as a practical means to avoid another shutdown and to pursue policies such as voter ID requirements and health-care reforms.
Political Context
Trump previously urged Republicans to end the filibuster last October to reopen the government without Democratic support; that move did not materialize and contributed to a prolonged standoff that culminated in a 43-day government shutdown. With the 2026 midterms approaching, the president’s renewed push could raise pressure on Senate Republicans to reconsider the rule.
Economic Backdrop
Trump also told Politico he expects the midterms to focus on "pricing" — his preferred term for what Democrats describe as affordability — saying his administration is driving prices down. His comments follow economic reports showing cooling inflation and stronger-than-expected growth, although polls indicate many Americans still feel economically insecure.
What To Watch
- Whether Senate Republicans take up rules changes or pursue exceptions to the filibuster.
- How centrists in both parties respond; many traditionally resist ending the filibuster to limit partisan swings.
- The potential legislative targets Trump highlighted, including voter ID and health-care measures, and whether Republicans can hold their slim majority together to pass them.
