Trump says Democrats will scrap filibuster if GOP doesn’t; Senate debate intensifies
The Wall Street Journal reported on July 28 that Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces pressure from President Trump to eliminate the Senate filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act, which would change federal election rules. The filibuster, a Senate rule requiring 60 votes to advance most legislation, has been in place since the 1800s and effectively blocks the legislation because Republicans hold a 53-47 majority — far short of the 60-vote threshold.
On Monday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that if Thune does not “blow up the filibuster,” Democrats will do it when they regain the majority. “The Dumocrats will do it on day one, and can’t believe how lucky they got with this Senate leadership,” Trump wrote, adding, “Remember, stupidity always brings LOSING & DEATH!”
The Wall Street Journal noted that both parties have previously debated eliminating the filibuster. Democrats modified the rules to confirm Senate nominees with a simple majority, and Republicans later expanded those changes. The pressure on Thune highlights the limits of a narrow majority and a long-standing procedural rule that has frustrated both parties when in power.