Donald Trump has suggested that the U.S. Senate should eliminate the filibuster, a procedural mechanism that allows a minority of senators to obstruct legislation. In an interview with Politico, Trump stated that abolishing the filibuster would facilitate the passage of his political agenda in 2026 and prevent future government shutdowns. He claimed, "The filibuster is hurting the Republican Party" and urged Republican senators to remove it "without question."

Trump argued that eliminating the filibuster would enable the Republican Party to implement significant policies, including healthcare reforms. He emphasized that without the filibuster, legislative progress would be more achievable, stating, "If you get rid of the filibuster, you’re not going to have a shutdown. You can do everything. You can do great health care if you get rid of the filibuster. We can do everything we want."

The filibuster is often supported by the minority party as a tool to block legislation, while the majority party may favor its removal to expedite their agenda. Senators are generally cautious about abolishing the filibuster due to concerns about potential future repercussions when the balance of power shifts. Centrists from both parties typically oppose its elimination to guard against extreme partisan actions.

Currently, Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate compared to 47 for Democrats, limiting their ability to pass legislation without bipartisan support. Trump had previously called for the filibuster's end in October to facilitate government operations, but this proposal was not acted upon, resulting in a 43-day government shutdown due to a standoff over healthcare costs.

In his remarks, Trump also indicated that he believes the upcoming midterm elections will focus on economic issues, particularly pricing, which he contrasted with the Democratic emphasis on affordability. He expressed confidence that voters would respond positively to his narrative of addressing economic challenges inherited from President Joe Biden. Despite recent positive economic reports indicating a decrease in inflation and faster-than-expected economic growth, consumer sentiment remains cautious and marked by economic insecurity.