Background on Donald Trump and His Relevance
Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States, served from January 2017 to January 2021. Known for his business background and reality TV fame, Trump’s political career was marked by controversial policies and a divisive approach. His influence on American politics remains significant, even after his presidency.
The Current US Government Shutdown
As of the date of this article, a partial government shutdown in the United States has extended beyond 35 days, surpassing the previous record set during Trump’s first term. This shutdown has affected various sectors, including stock markets, airlines, and food assistance programs for low-income Americans.
The Role of the Filibuster
A filibuster is a Senate rule requiring 60 out of its 100 members’ agreement to pass most legislation. With the Republicans holding a slim majority of 53-47 in the Senate and a 219-213 majority in the House of Representatives, they face challenges in enacting their legislative agenda.
Trump’s Call to Action
On a recent Wednesday, President Trump urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the supermajority rule, or filibuster, in an attempt to end the ongoing government shutdown. This move would break longstanding Senate norms and make it easier for the majority to pass laws.
“We need to reopen the country. And the way we’re going to do that this afternoon is by ending the filibuster,” Trump told senators gathered at the White House for a breakfast meeting.
Trump acknowledged that senators might not comply with his request, stating, “I will respect their wishes. They are very smart people, good friends, but I believe it’s a tremendous mistake… It’s already high time.”
Republican Hesitation and Democratic Concerns
Although Trump has previously called for the elimination of the filibuster, Senate Republicans have been reluctant. Their hesitance stems partly from the understanding that Democrats would likely disregard the norm once they regain control of the Senate.
During the Wednesday meeting, Trump downplayed concerns about Democrats gaining power. He argued that if the Senate eliminated the filibuster, Republicans could maintain control by passing popular legislation.
Impact of the Shutdown
Trump emphasized that the ongoing government shutdown has negatively affected stock markets, airlines, and food assistance programs for low-income Americans. He also blamed the recent Republican losses in Tuesday’s elections on the government shutdown, stating that it had not harmed Democrats as he’d anticipated.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is a filibuster? A filibuster is a Senate rule requiring 60 out of its 100 members’ agreement to pass most legislation.
- Why is Trump urging the elimination of the filibuster? Trump believes eliminating the filibuster will help end the ongoing government shutdown by making it easier for the majority to pass laws.
- Why are Senate Republicans hesitant to eliminate the filibuster? They fear Democrats would disregard the norm once they regain control of the Senate.
- What sectors are affected by the government shutdown? The ongoing shutdown has impacted stock markets, airlines, and food assistance programs for low-income Americans.
