'Do not be stupid': Trump tells own party to blow up filibuster, says Dems would not wait a day

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump turned up the pressure on Republicans in the Senate, urging them to abandon one of the chamber’s most powerful procedural rules.

The president, on Thursday, April 30, argued that sticking with the filibuster was slowing down his party’s ability to govern and could leave them at a disadvantage if political control shifted after the next election cycle.

Trump calls on GOP to kill filibuster

In a strongly worded post, Trump made his position clear, calling on GOP lawmakers to act quickly.

“How much abuse can the Republican Senate take before they BLOW UP (TERMINATE!) THE FILIBUSTER,” he wrote, suggesting the rule is being used against them.

He added that removing it would allow Republicans to pass legislation “at a record clip,” while warning: “The Dems will do it on the first hour of their first day. DO NOT BE STUPID!!!”

At the heart of Trump’s argument is speed. The filibuster, which effectively requires 60 votes to move most bills forward, often forces bipartisan cooperation, something Trump reportedly sees as an obstacle rather than a safeguard.

He has been particularly vocal about clearing the path for key proposals tied to his broader agenda, including immigration-related measures and spending bills.

From his perspective, keeping the rule intact risks stalling momentum at a time when Republicans need quick legislative wins.

Senate GOP remains firm on filibuster

Inside the GOP, however, the idea has hit a wall. Senior leaders have signaled little appetite for rewriting Senate rules, even under pressure from Trump.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has publicly indicated that scrapping the filibuster isn’t a practical route, effectively shutting down the possibility for now.

That stance reflects a larger concern among Republicans that removing the rule could backfire when power inevitably changes hands.

This isn’t a new fight. Trump has repeatedly criticized members of his own party over the issue, at times accusing them of lacking urgency or resolve.

For many Senate Republicans, though, the filibuster is less about short-term advantage and more about preserving institutional balance.

Eliminating it could make it easier for future majorities, including Democrats, to push through sweeping changes without opposition.

For now, the filibuster remains in place. But with Trump continuing to push aggressively from outside the Senate, the debate over its future is unlikely to fade anytime soon.