Mega-Thread: Trump Focused Discussion

[Dontrike]

Trump wants Republicans to use the nuclear option with the shutdown.

President Trump on Thursday called on Senate Republicans to initiate the “nuclear option” and get rid of the filibuster, which would allow them to end the government shutdown and pass legislation with a simple majority.

“It is now time for the Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD,’ and go for what is called the Nuclear Option — Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Trump’s post came on the heels of a trip to Asia, where he said he faced questions about how Democrats shut down the government, “and why did the powerful Republicans allow them to do it?”

The president noted that some Democratic senators during the Biden administration had called for an end to the filibuster. Then-President Biden and some senators called for altering the filibuster to protect voting rights and abortion access, though it did not garner unanimous support within the party.

Trump went on to argue that Democrats would eliminate the filibuster if given the opportunity to enact policies like statehood for Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

“Well, now WE are in power, and if we did what we should be doing, it would IMMEDIATELY end this ridiculous, Country destroying ‘SHUT DOWN,’” Trump posted. “If the Democrats ever came back into power, which would be made easier for them if the Republicans are not using the Great Strength and Policies made available to us by ending the Filibuster, the Democrats will exercise their rights, and it will be done in the first day they take office, regardless of whether or not we do it.”

The Senate filibuster rule requires most legislation to receive 60 votes to make it through the chamber, giving more power to the minority party and essentially preventing the majority party from passing whatever legislation it wants. Rule changes over the years have meant that judges and other nominees only require a simple majority.

It’s not clear if Senate Republicans, who hold 53 seats in the chamber, would have the support to eliminate the filibuster entirely.

Senate Republicans have in recent days increasingly discussed changing the filibuster’s rules if Democrats do not end the shutdown, which has dragged on for more than 30 days. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has said he opposes weakening the filibuster.

Even Republicans who have in the past have voiced support for preserving the filibuster have suggested creating a carve-out to the 60-vote threshold to reopen the government could gain traction.

Senate Democrats have been united in opposing passage of a continuing resolution that would fund the government at current levels, saying they would only support the measure alongside an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year.

Lawmakers in both parties have warned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will begin to expire Nov. 1, and there is growing concern about increased flight delays at major airports because of the shutdown’s strain on air traffic controllers.

It's interesting he wants this to happen because if Republicans do this then everything is 200% their fault with no way to blame the Dems on healthcare costs rising and the rich's tax cuts permanent.

[Gorsameth]

And if they ever lose control of congress the Democrats get to do whatever they want.

Trump doesn't care about that but the rest of the Republicans have to think further then the next 2 years.

[s_bushido]

And if they ever lose control of congress the Democrats get to do whatever they want.

This is the Democratic Party we're talking about here... "Whatever they want" tends to include wringing their hands about how bad actually doing something might look, and not much else. It's a freaking miracle they haven't caved on this so far. But maybe they're finally figuring out what the stakes are.

[PenguinChan]

I’d be shocked if the filibuster got extremely weakened. It basically concedes all power to democrats if they ever take control again and while that doesn’t matter to Trump since he won’t care / live for it to mean much - the rest of the republican party does.

[Breccia]

And if they ever lose control of congress the Democrats get to do whatever they want.

Trump: Lose the filibuster!
Senate: (looks at Trump's poll numbers) (looks at economy) (looks at 2026) No.

“Well, now WE are in power, and if we did what we should be doing, it would IMMEDIATELY end this ridiculous, Country destroying ‘SHUT DOWN,’” Trump posted.

"If only I, the head of the party and the person who signs the bills, had some way of making the shutdown end. Alas, I am but one person, man, woman, camera, TV."

It's on public record Team Trump is forcing the shutdown to cut off health care. It's on public record Trump has claimed to have trillions of tariff dollars. And poll after poll puts the blame on Trump. Even if Trump disagreed, it would still be in the benefit of his part and his country to stop stonewalling and meet Democrats, and it would be in the benefit of his polling numbers if he at least gave the appearance of putting in the effort. But no, he won't even meet Democrats about the summary executions he's been doing.

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the administration’s decision to exclude his party from a secret briefing on Wednesday about the campaign was “corrosive to our democracy.”

Frustration is growing among Democrats on Capitol Hill as the Trump administration refuses to provide a legal justification for attacking boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific. The U.S. military strikes have killed at least 61 people since early September.

Visibly agitated, Mr. Warner said that the Republicans-only meeting was a violation of a law requiring bipartisan briefings of congressional leaders on national security matters.

“When an administration decides it can pick and choose which elected representatives get the understanding of their legal argument of why this is needed for military force and only chooses a particular party, it ignores all the checks and balances,” he said.

On other side of the Capitol, military legal experts had been scheduled to testify in a closed-door bipartisan briefing for the House. But the Trump administration decided not to send them.

“They didn’t even show up with the lawyers,” said Representative Seth Moulton, Democrat of Massachusetts, after the meeting.

He said that without the Defense Department’s legal advisers, lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee were unable to obtain an explanation of the legal basis for the military strikes.

“They just said that they can’t answer these questions because the lawyers aren’t here,” he said.

When questioned for comments, the White House refused to answer and blamed Obama. No, really.

[fwc577]

Trump: Lose the filibuster!
Senate: (looks at Trump's poll numbers) (looks at economy) (looks at 2026) No.

This is honestly their biggest loyalty test yet.

If they end the filibuster, they're 100% afraid of Trump and the future he (and others) pose to the GOP. There is literally no turning back for them at this point.

If they negotiate to re-open the government OR they continue the shutdown, it shows they're more afraid of the system and the future.

[En Sabah Nur]

I just got back from Asia where I met the Leaders of many Countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and others. It was a Great Honor to meet them but, more particularly, to see that America is respected again — RESPECTED LIKE NEVER BEFORE! Great Trade Deals were made, Long Term relationships now exist, and money is pouring into our Country because of Tariffs and, frankly, the Landslide Results of the 2024 Presidential Election. The one question that kept coming up, however, was how did the Democrats SHUT DOWN the United States of America, and why did the powerful Republicans allow them to do it? The fact is, in flying back, I thought a great deal about that question, WHY?

Majority Leader John Thune, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, are doing a GREAT job, but the Democrats are Crazed Lunatics that have lost all sense of WISDOM and REALITY. It is a sick form of the now “legendary” Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) that only comes from losing too much. They want Trillions of Dollars to be taken from our Healthcare System and given to others, who are not deserving — People who have come into our Country illegally, many from prisons and mental institutions. This will hurt American citizens, and Republicans will not let it happen. It is now time for the Republicans to play their “TRUMP CARD,” and go for what is called the Nuclear Option — Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW! Just a short while ago, the Democrats, while in power, fought for three years to do this, but were unable to pull it off because of Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. Never have the Democrats fought so hard to do something because they knew the tremendous strength that terminating the Filibuster would give them. They want to substantially expand (PACK!) the United States Supreme Court, make Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico States (Thereby automatically picking up 4 Senate seats, many House seats, and at least 8 Electoral Votes!), and many other highly destructive things. Well, now WE are in power, and if we did what we should be doing, it would IMMEDIATELY end this ridiculous, Country destroying “SHUT DOWN.” If the Democrats ever came back into power, which would be made easier for them if the Republicans are not using the Great Strength and Policies made available to us by ending the Filibuster, the Democrats will exercise their rights, and it will be done in the first day they take office, regardless of whether or not we do it. In addition to all of the other things we would get, such as the best Judges, the best U.S. Attorneys, the best of everything, this was a concept from years ago of then President Barack Hussein Obama and former Majority Leader Harry Reid in order to take advantage of the Republicans. Now I want to do it in order to take advantage of the Democrats….

Jesus Christ...

I'll let someone else have a stab at breaking this shit down, but am I really supposed to believe that most constant from question world leaders was "How did Democrats shut down the USA?" because I wanna see proof. Especially when they also apparently said "the powerful Republicans" lol

In the meantime, I quite enjoyed this one.

Bro knows he's the president, right?

Then again, he's too busy doing recruitment...

[gondrin]

Jesus Christ...

I'll let someone else have a stab at breaking this shit down, but am I really supposed to believe that most constant from question world leaders was "How did Democrats shut down the USA?" because I wanna see proof. Especially when they also apparently said "the powerful Republicans" lol

In the meantime, I quite enjoyed this one.

Bro knows he's the president, right?

Then again, he's too busy doing recruitment...

The fun fact about the filibuster.

Even if they were to try and remove it, it still has to go up for a vote. Which can be filibustered. And I know there are a lot of Democrats and quite a few Republicans that do not want to remove it.

[Teriz]

Trump wants Republicans to use the nuclear option with the shutdown.



It's interesting he wants this to happen because if Republicans do this then everything is 200% their fault with no way to blame the Dems on healthcare costs rising and the rich's tax cuts permanent.

If they do that, Democrats are easily taking back congress in 2026.

[Flaks]

Why do we keep touting "but they'll lose in 2026" like the whole plan isn't to just remove elections altogether.

There WILL be a false flag trump created state of emergency that will keep maga in power. This is 100% guaranteed and the biggest worry isn't just that that's what they're planning but that that they're most likely taking a page out of the netanyahu book in how to accomplish it.

[Tech614]

If they do that, Democrats are easily taking back congress in 2026.

Uh, there will be nothing easy about trying to win "elections" if they can pass anything that tramples on voter rights that they want without a filibuster. Do you think SCOTUS is gonna save us? Doubt.

[Breccia]

Jesus Christ...

I "like" how Trump is complaining that ACA rates are going up due to his direct words and actions. The shutdown is because he wants to make them more expensive.

Directly advertising a task force to his most devoted voters, telling them they'll be allowed to use violence, to protect the White House, is effective admission he knows he's going to start a riot to remove him from power. It could be projection - he did the same thing, after all. Or, he could be forming a hit squad that will drag Reps, Senators and judges into the street and shoot them, which SCOTUS told him he's allowed to do.

[Mayhem]

Jesus Christ...

I'll let someone else have a stab at breaking this shit down, but am I really supposed to believe that most constant from question world leaders was "How did Democrats shut down the USA?" because I wanna see proof. Especially when they also apparently said "the powerful Republicans" lol

Try it with a sarcastic undertone.

[Malkiah]

Why do we keep touting "but they'll lose in 2026" like the whole plan isn't to just remove elections altogether.

probably because they don't plan to just remove elections altogether, because that would be kind of pointless since they don't need to, since they've been relatively stable in holding power for the last 50 years and their ideological agenda doesn't require them to be in majorities all the time.
there's no part of the broader long term political project that US regressives are engaged in that necessitates them winning every election, and while yes absolutely they will fuck with elections because abusing power is just part of what they do, pulling the trigger on a massive totalitarian move against the facade of democracy isn't something they have to do because they aren't in a realistic threat of losing power.

there's always a non-zero chance of them doing it anyways just because they're too stupid to realize that they are playing a game and the goal is to keep playing the game not to win it or lose it, but that's what happens when you have a party that is now significantly comprised of 3rd generation political zealots who are fully and utterly on the party kool-aid.
side bar: give it another 2 decades or so for all the rich backers and old guard to be dead and gone and a 4th generation of regressives to be getting elected in and yeah the calculus on that will change and we'll probably see a more openly naked authoritarian movement.

There WILL be a false flag trump created state of emergency that will keep maga in power. This is 100% guaranteed and the biggest worry isn't just that that's what they're planning but that that they're most likely taking a page out of the netanyahu book in how to accomplish it.

wouldn't shock me if that was the case, but i'd wager that like everything else he's done they would fuck it up so monumentally that it wouldn't work, and by "work" i mean.... ok look at it this way:
if you're wanting to just up and suspend democracy in the US and install yourself as a dictator, logistically you'd need to do it in one of two ways.
1. sneaky ninja takeover where you do it under the guise of following all the norms and rules so that every news media is carrying water for your bullshit since it's "allowed" and the dems are fine with it because you're following decorum and the public at large tolerates it because their QoL is still good enough for enough of them that politics shit is just kind of background noise.

2. full blown authoritarian military takeover where you declare yourself god-king and fuck you people.

do we agree those are the two ways one would have to do that? or is there some third option you can think of?

for the first option, they're too incompetent to be subtle about this and too stupid to understand the need to be subtle about it.
and while i have no doubt if in 2026 trump went on TV and said "folks we're gonna be stuffing the ballot boxes, we're gonna have the biggest wins ever, this will be the greatest election, we won by 500 million votes" and republicans won every seat that was up for grabs, that would fly... the news media would be fine with it, the electorate would grumble but do nothing, a couple of dems might tweet about it, but that's it.
however, there's an increasing chance of the fringe of the right having a single person(s) lose their shit over that, so the real risk would be unprompted assassination.
i'm not seeing the advantage to US regressives to do that because they consistently win elections, and perhaps more important rightfully believe they will continue winning elections because they have 50 years of data showing their agenda has stable approval from US voters.
so why bother breaking kayfabe on US democracy? what's the use to them to do that?
like i said, they'll fuck with elections here and there because of course they will, that's typical regressive power creep they're always going to be doing that.

as for the second, well, i firmly believe the material conditions in the US are not bad enough yet for that to work.
you need a significant number of effectively desperate transient young men you can scoop into an enormous military apparatus to overwhelm the sensibilities of a populace that feels it can't fight back.
with the amount of weapons floating around in the US and the geographic distribution in both size and population densities, i think a military style brute force power grab in the US would suffer the same issue as making a ship that can go light speed: the amount of fuel you'd need would exceed the design capacity for a ship, IE you'd need such a huge army it would make it impossible.

for example:
at its peak the SS had an estimated 800k or so people, in a population in the early 1940s of about 60 million.
for the sake of conversation let's just assume that's roughly the ratio you'd need to maintain power over a civilian population, not even getting into whether that ratio would be adequate for the US.
that means you'd need about 5.5 million secret police in the US.

1 millionish homeless, about 7.4 million unemployed - if you strip social service protections enough i'd actually concede you might get enough people in material crisis in 2 years you could start scooping them up off the street and putting a uniform on them, but again we're back to the issue of competence.
i don't think the current crop of US regressives could hold their shit together logistically over 4-5 million new desperate young people engaged in coordinated military police action.

anyways, i'm not trying to shit on you for what you fear or poo-poo you and finger-wag that you're wrong, but you asked "why" and that's my answer at least.

[Valdhammer]

Why do we keep touting "but they'll lose in 2026" like the whole plan isn't to just remove elections altogether.

There WILL be a false flag trump created state of emergency that will keep maga in power. This is 100% guaranteed and the biggest worry isn't just that that's what they're planning but that that they're most likely taking a page out of the netanyahu book in how to accomplish it.

I have said a similar thing many times here. These people are not ceding power any time soon because if they do many of them could be jailed. Their continued freedom and prosperity depends on remaining in power.

And they can achieve that through currently legal means. By November 2026 there will be an avalanche of redistricting to favor Republicans; the Voting Rights Act will be hollowed out; voting will be made more difficult through elimination of early and mail-in voting. And so on. Republicans do not need to resort to anything overly extreme to lock this thing down well before November ‘26.

And if they maintain their majority after the midterms, they will be encouraged to take more extreme measures by 2028.

Then there’s the reshaping of the media. CBS will become another Fox News within a few months. Buyouts will continue and consolidation of media outlets in the hands of right wing lunatics will make it much more difficult for liberals to get their message out.

At the same time, the Democratic Party is stuck trying to figure out what it stands for other than being opposed to Trump. So there probably isn’t much of an enticement out there other than hating Trump to get people out to vote in numbers sufficient to fight an already up hill battle.

And finally, there is the billionaire ruling class who have overwhelmingly aligned with Trump and who have the ability to massively influence elections, as we found out in 2024.

I say all this not because I think the answer is to stop fighting. Quite the opposite, the answer is to fight much harder. Cancel every service and stop buying products from every company whose founders and CEOs are not actively standing up to Republicans. If we are not willing to do at least that much, then we deserve what’s coming.

[Milchshake]

"Please buy the beef we've done everything we can to make markedly more expensive for you"

Trump's Agriculture Secretary announces a $100 million ad campaign to convince people to buy American beef after Trump stated the US would import beef from ArgentinaTrump's Agriculture Secretary announces a $100 million ad campaign to convince people to buy American beef after Trump stated the US would import beef from Argentina.

Or maybe just give the hungry people to buy food directly?

[Gorsameth]

Why do we keep touting "but they'll lose in 2026" like the whole plan isn't to just remove elections altogether.

There WILL be a false flag trump created state of emergency that will keep maga in power. This is 100% guaranteed and the biggest worry isn't just that that's what they're planning but that that they're most likely taking a page out of the netanyahu book in how to accomplish it.

Trump might have that plan, but he also had that plan in 2020 and it didn't quite work out that way.

Republicans in Congress have to plan a little further beyond "I hope Trump successfully turns this country into a dictatorship"

[Breccia]

Or maybe just give the hungry people to buy food directly?

About that: the TV I just walked past showing CNN said the plan to halt SNAP is "likely unlawful". The lawsuit was apparently recent and the judge was skeptical the entire time, but from the looks of things, we could see a block of the shutdown in 24 hours.

If that happens: it's also a ruling that Trump is responsible for the cutoff. It is Trump's own USDA saying it can't pay people, and yet, we've had shutdowns before. Hell, Trump has had shutdowns before and paid SNAP during those. If this judge does, in fact, rule that Trump is illegally withholding benefits, that needs to be smeared across every screen in the lower 50% of income.

I will ensure it's smeared across yours.

[Edge-]

About that: the TV I just walked past showing CNN said the plan to halt SNAP is "likely unlawful". The lawsuit was apparently recent and the judge was skeptical the entire time, but from the looks of things, we could see a block of the shutdown in 24 hours.

If that happens: it's also a ruling that Trump is responsible for the cutoff. It is Trump's own USDA saying it can't pay people, and yet, we've had shutdowns before. Hell, Trump has had shutdowns before and paid SNAP during those. If this judge does, in fact, rule that Trump is illegally withholding benefits, that needs to be smeared across every screen in the lower 50% of income.

I will ensure it's smeared across yours.

do you think this might be why administration officials are moving onto military bases?

are they afraid of the american people?

[gondrin]

do you think this might be why administration officials are moving onto military bases?

are they afraid of the american people?

I think they will be more afraid of ICE when ICE stops getting paid because they will run out of money soon. Because when you stop or refuse to pay your mercenaries, they tend to turn on you really quickly.