Trump renews filibuster fight: GOP Senators push back in election year; Thune faces leadership test

President Donald Trump is continuing his push to eliminate the Senate filibuster, creating fresh tensions within the Republican caucus as lawmakers head into a critical election year.

Senate Republicans, who have largely backed the president on major legislative and executive priorities, remain resistant to ending the 60-vote threshold, despite Trump’s repeated demands to ease legislative gridlock.Several GOP senators say the numbers simply aren’t there. “I know this has been an important priority for the president, but I think he has too many people telling him that this is achievable when it doesn’t strike me as achievable,” Senator Todd Young said, adding, “I don’t think we’re close to having the votes, just to be candid.”

Majority Leader John Thune and most Senate Republicans rejected Trump’s call last month to scrap the filibuster during the record-long government shutdown. Still, the pressure continues to mount, leaving rank-and-file lawmakers wary of crossing Trump while also trying to preserve longstanding Senate norms. Despite Trump’s insistence, less than a quarter of Senate Republicans have shown openness to ending or modifying the filibuster.

A few, however, have shifted. Sen Ron Johnson reversed his stance during the shutdown, saying Trump was right. Sen John Cornyn, facing a primary challenge, has also said he is open to reconsidering Senate traditions. The debate comes as Congress prepares for multiple deadlines early next year, including funding the government by Jan. 30, addressing rising health costs, completing the farm bill and renewing key surveillance authorities. Asked whether Trump will continue pressing the issue, a White House official pointed to his Truth Social post warning that Democrats would pack the Supreme Court “unless we TERMINATE THE FILIBUSTER, which will lead to an easy WIN of the Midterms, and an even easier WIN in the Presidential Election of 2028.”Advisers close to the White House say the filibuster fight is emerging as a key leadership test for Thune. “Every Republican prior to two months ago has been adamantly against getting rid of the filibuster and because Trump wants to get rid of the filibuster, John Thune either has to swallow another red pill or wean himself off,” said one person granted anonymity.Despite the disagreements, both sides have maintained a working relationship. Trump last month called senators who rejected his push “very smart people” and has continued to praise Thune. A person familiar with Senate leadership said, “This isn’t a relationship dealbreaker.”Trump made similar attempts in his first term, but then-majority leader Mitch McConnell declined to consider the move, citing insufficient support.

Some Trump allies also pushed to fire the Senate parliamentarian during debate earlier this year on the administration’s “big, beautiful bill,” a request Thune refused.Several GOP senators remain adamant that the filibuster is not going anywhere. “It’s a moot issue. We’re just not going to get rid of the filibuster,” said Sen John Kennedy.Still, Trump’s supporters argue Republicans should act now in anticipation of Democrats scrapping the rule if they regain power. Sen Tommy Tuberville said Trump has raised the matter with lawmakers directly, noting, “I just got a feeling … it’s just a matter of time that they’re going to vote and get rid of it whenever they take over the majority next time.”Sen Josh Hawley framed the push as urgency to deliver results ahead of the 2026 midterms. Trump, he said, is “the one who’s right now pushing Congress to act… We need to deliver more.”