Republican voters didn’t expect to see this.
In a surprising move that’s turning heads in Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is openly resisting President Donald Trump’s call to use the “nuclear option” to resolve the government shutdown.
During his Friday press briefing, Johnson addressed Trump’s late-night Truth Social post, in which the former president urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster — the 60-vote rule blocking GOP efforts to reopen the government.
“It’s not my call. The filibuster belongs to the Senate,” Johnson said. “It’s always been a safeguard. If the tables were turned, Republicans wouldn’t like it.”
Tensions Rising Between Trump and GOP Leadership
The remarks left conservatives stunned. Trump, who has been leading the charge to end the record-breaking shutdown, wants Republicans to “play their TRUMP CARD” and bypass Democrat obstruction.
But Johnson — known for his loyalty to Trump — warned that killing the filibuster could backfire if Democrats ever regain control.
“If Democrats had their way, they’d pack the Supreme Court, make D.C. and Puerto Rico states, and strip away gun rights,” Johnson cautioned. “The filibuster is a vital safeguard for America.”
Shutdown Deepens As GOP Pushes Back
The federal shutdown has now stretched into its 31st day, making it one of the longest in U.S. history. Senate Democrats have blocked Republican funding bills 13 times since September 19 — keeping millions of Americans waiting for relief.
Five more Democrat votes are still needed for the GOP to break the gridlock and restore federal operations.
Frustrated, Trump posted Thursday night:
“Republicans need to finally use their Trump Card and unleash the so-called Nuclear Option — end the filibuster once and for all!”
Trump reminded his followers that Democrats once tried to scrap the rule themselves under Joe Biden but were stopped by moderate Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema.
He warned that if Republicans hesitate now, Democrats will “end the filibuster on day one” the moment they return to power.
Republicans Divided, Voters Watching Closely
Speaker Johnson said he understood Trump’s frustration but stood by his caution.
“President Trump’s anger reflects what millions of Americans feel — outrage at this madness,” Johnson said. “He just wants the government reopened so people can get the help they deserve.”
However, Senate leaders are signaling no interest in revisiting the rule. A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed, “His position on preserving the filibuster is unchanged.”
What’s Next
As the standoff drags on, tensions between Trump’s America First movement and traditional GOP leadership continue to grow.
With the economy at stake and Democrats refusing to compromise, the next few days may determine whether Republicans unite behind Trump’s call — or risk losing the momentum conservatives fought so hard to build.