Republicans face a stark choice even as the government shutdown appears to be ending: eliminate the Senate filibuster or watch Democrats do it later and ram through their radical plans. Stephen Miller laid out the reality plainly, warning that without action now, the opposition will seize the opportunity. “They will end the filibuster. They will pass communist health care.”
President Trump has made his position clear when there was no progress on ending the government shutdown, urging GOP Senators to “get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW.” He sees it as the key to unlocking real progress, from building the wall to ensuring election integrity through national voter ID laws.
Miller points to the departure of Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema as a turning point. Those two blocked Democratic attempts to gut the filibuster back in 2022, but with them out of the picture, nothing stands in the way next time Democrats hold power. Recent midterm losses for Republicans only amplify the urgency—some suggest the shutdown itself was a calculated Democratic trap to erode GOP support at the polls, forcing concessions or electoral damage.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has resisted so far, insisting the votes aren’t there and emphasizing the filibuster’s role in protecting minority rights. But voices like Sen. Ron Johnson have flipped, agreeing with Trump that “We KNOW Democrats will nuke the filibuster as soon as they’re able to solidify their grip on power.” Johnson argues Republicans should strike first to pass laws that actually serve the American people.
Democrats have already shown their hand, pushing for court-packing and sweeping changes that could tilt the system permanently in their favor. If Republicans hesitate, the next wave could include unrestricted mail-in voting schemes that invite fraud, or mandates that undermine parental rights in education. Voter ID isn’t just a policy—it’s a safeguard against the kind of irregularities that have plagued recent elections.
Moreover, the end of the filibuster under Democrat rule would prevent Republicans from not only putting in election safeguards, but may even prevent them from winning majorities in the future. If Democrats pull the trigger first, they can and almost certainly will establish nearly permanent rule in Washington, DC.
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed the caution of his Senate counterpart, noting the filibuster has long been a vital check, but added that if the tables turned, Democrats wouldn’t hesitate. The question is whether Senate Republicans will recognize the threat in time. Delaying could mean handing Democrats the tools to dismantle borders, inflate government control over healthcare, and entrench power through manipulated voting rules.
President Trump’s agenda—strong borders, fair elections, and economic strength—hangs in the balance. Miller’s call isn’t about short-term wins; it’s about preserving the nation’s future against those who play by different rules. Republicans control the White House, House, and Senate now. Failing to act might ensure they never do again.
