Trump Urges Republicans to Kill Filibuster

President Trump invited the entire Senate Republican Conference to the White House on Wednesday, warning it would be a “tragic mistake” not to terminate the filibuster.

But the president, who has for days called on Republicans to eliminate the filibuster amid the ongoing government shutdown, acknowledged he is likely to face resistance and said he would abide by senators’ wishes.

“I think it’s very important. We have to get the country open. And the way we’re going to do it this afternoon is to terminate the filibuster,” Trump said in remarks from the State Dining Room.

“And it’s possible you’re not going to do that. And I’m going to go by your wishes,” Trump added. “You’re very smart people. We’re good friends. But I think it’s a tremendous mistake. It would be a tragic mistake, actually. It’s time.”

The president’s remarks came on the heels of sweeping election victories for Democrats in New Jersey, Virginia and elsewhere Tuesday night. Wednesday was also the 36th day of the government shutdown, making it the longest ever.

Trump expressed skepticism Democrats were any closer to caving on their demands that any bill to reopen the government include an extension of health care subsidies. Instead, he suggested it was incumbent on Republicans to end the filibuster and go it alone.

“The Democrat radicals in the Senate have shown zero interest in reopening the government, and I don’t think they’ll act so soon. A lot of people disagree,” Trump said.

“It’s time for Republicans to do what they have to do, and that’s terminate the filibuster,” Trump added. “And if you don’t terminate the filibuster, you’ll be in bad shape.”

The president also railed at length against the Senate’s “blue slip” policy, which allows home-state senators to veto district court judge and U.S. attorney nominees.

Trump has for days called on Republicans to end the filibuster, warning that Democrats will do so if they regain the majority in order to enact their policies.

But Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) and Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) have been among the Republicans to push back on the idea and suggest it is unlikely to happen. Republicans have argued the filibuster, which requires legislation to get 60 votes to pass, is an important bulwark that protects the minority party.

Trump also unsuccessfully called for an end to the filibuster during his first term.