Trump wants to shatter the filibuster, another Senate norm. Republicans are pushing back.

Trump's second term has broken presidential norms at a breakneck pace, but his demand that Republicans initiate the "nuclear option" of ending of the filibuster on Thursday to reopen the government is a Pandora's box senators would rather keep closed.

Why it matters: Overhauling Senate precedent in such a powerful way is great when you're the party in power — but it could make life miserable for Republicans if Democrats retake control.

Context: Ending the filibuster would allow a simple majority of senators — or the vice president in the case of a tie — to pass bills, instead of the 60 votes most legislation currently requires. • Republicans hold 53 seats and could end the government shutdown or advance other GOP priorities without any Democratic votes if they nuked the filibuster.

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