WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) urged Senate Republicans to invoke the ‘nuclear option’ and abolish the filibuster, arguing that doing so will enable them to end the ongoing government shutdown and pass legislation with a simple majority.

“It is now time for the Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD,’ and go for what is called the Nuclear Option — Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Trump’s comments followed his return from an Asia trip, during which he said he was questioned about “how Democrats shut down the government, and why did the powerful Republicans allow them to do it?”

The filibuster, a Senate rule that typically requires 60 votes to advance legislation, has long been a point of contention in Washing

See Full Page