Frustrated Trump demands swift end to ‘ridiculous’ government shutdown

Donald Trump urged Congressional Republicans to use the 'nuclear option' to eliminate the Senate filibuster and end the ongoing government shutdown. Trump posted on Truth Social, stating that abolishing the filibuster would allow Republicans to “take advantage” of Democrats and “IMMEDIATELY end this ridiculous, Country destroying 'SHUT DOWN'”. The filibuster is a Senate rule requiring 60 votes to pass most legislation, which Democrats are currently using to block bills and prolong the 31-day shutdown. Democrats are demanding a reversal of Medicaid cuts and an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies for their support of a funding bill. While many Republicans have historically opposed eliminating the filibuster, some, like Marjorie Taylor Greene, have expressed support for the move, with the shutdown estimated to cost the US economy billions.