Senate leader says GOP lacks votes to end filibuster as Trump presses for change
Republican senators refuse Trump demand to eliminate 60-vote threshold
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters that Republicans do not have the votes to eliminate the filibuster after President Trump urged the change to reopen the government. Senator John Kennedy told CNN he pushed back directly on the president and said he doubts Republicans will scrap the filibuster or blue-slip traditions during their current majority in his and the reporter’s lifetime.
Why this matters
Republican senators refusing Trump demand to eliminate the filibuster shows institutional loyalty sometimes overrides presidential pressure. Senators protect rules that empower them even when those rules frustrate their party president. Eliminating the filibuster would let Republicans pass bills now but would also let future Democratic majorities implement their agenda without any Republican input. Kennedy prediction that neither party will eliminate it during current senators' natural lifetimes suggests the filibuster survives because it serves senators' interests regardless of which party controls the chamber. Trump proving he cannot force his own party to eliminate Senate rules demonstrates limits on presidential power over the legislative branch. Citizens should support senators who protect bipartisan cooperation requirements even when it frustrates short-term political goals.
Core Facts
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters that 'the votes aren't there' to end the filibuster and said he had spoken with President Trump, but he did not state when that conversation occurred.
Senator John Kennedy told CNN he spoke with President Trump, said a senator's job is to 'kill bad ideas,' and that the president 'wasn't unhappy' with the exchange. Kennedy added he doubts Republicans will change the filibuster or blue-slip traditions 'during your or my natural lifetime.'.
The filibuster normally requires 60 votes to advance most legislation, which forces the majority to seek minority support to pass bills. Republican senators hold the chamber’s majority and must weigh short-term gains against preserving minority protections for when they are out of power.
President Trump publicly and privately urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to pass funding bills without Democratic votes. Many Senate Republicans resisted that request, saying the votes to change Senate practice do not exist within the GOP conference.
Key Actors
John Thune
Senate Majority Leader (R‑S.D.)
He told reporters that 'the votes aren't there' to end the filibuster and said he had discussed the issue with the president, but he did not publicly tie that conversation to a specific date. Thune has urged reopening the government while defending Senate rules.
John Kennedy
U.S. Senator (R‑La.)
He told CNN he told President Trump he would not back scrapping the filibuster, said the job of a senator is also to 'kill bad ideas,' and said the president 'wasn't unhappy' with that reply. Kennedy predicted the filibuster and blue‑slip practices are unlikely to change during his lifetime.
Donald Trump
President of the United States
He repeatedly urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to end the government shutdown and to advance a broader policy agenda without Democratic votes. Trump told GOP senators at White House gatherings that ending the filibuster would reopen the government quickly.
Senate Republican conference
GOP senators (majority caucus)
A majority of Senate Republicans signaled resistance to changing the filibuster despite presidential pressure. Leadership said the necessary votes do not exist inside the conference to eliminate the 60‑vote threshold.
Hakeem Jeffries
House Democratic Leader
He has urged a bipartisan funding agreement to reopen the government. Democrats have said they will not yield on key policy demands without negotiation, and they emphasize protections that the filibuster provides in the Senate.
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