Overview
- Posting on Truth Social, President Trump urged Republicans to “terminate the filibuster,” warning Democrats would later scrap it, add states, and expand the Supreme Court.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson said the appeal reflects the president’s frustration and desperation to reopen government as services strain under the prolonged closure.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune reiterated opposition to weakening the filibuster, while some Republicans, including Sen. Josh Hawley, said they are weighing the nuclear option if talks fail.
- With 53 GOP seats, Republicans lack clear internal support to permanently change Senate rules, as Democrats continue to condition a funding bill on extending ACA premium subsidies.
- A multistate lawsuit seeks to force continuation of SNAP benefits during the shutdown, highlighting mounting operational and humanitarian pressures.