Trump Speech Today: Shutdown, Filibuster, and Election Fallout

Government Shutdown Enters 36th Day as Trump Pushes for Filibuster Elimination

The ongoing government shutdown has now become the longest in U.S. history, stretching into its 36th day with no immediate resolution in sight. In a speech today, President Donald Trump addressed the political impasse, urging Republicans to support eliminating the Senate filibuster as a way to end the stalemate.

"Let's call a deal a deal," said Senator Tim Kaine, highlighting the Democratic efforts to use their party's momentum from yesterday's elections to spur Republican compromise. However, Trump told Republicans during a breakfast meeting that they are getting "killed" politically by the impasse and insisted that eliminating the filibuster is the best path forward.

"If we got rid of the filibuster, we would approve so many good things, common sense things, wonderful things, that it would be hard to beat us. If we don't, it's always going to be a slog."

Despite his strong advocacy, Trump acknowledged resistance within his own party. "Do I want to lose my relationship with those Republicans that have been very good to me for a long period of time, that voted against the crooked Democrats on impeachment and everything else, do I want to lose them over it?" he questioned, suggesting he was "close to losing it— but probably not."

Real-World Impact: FAA Announces Air Traffic Cuts

The prolonged shutdown is beginning to have tangible effects on everyday Americans. The Federal Aviation Administration announced it will cut air traffic by 10% at 40 airports starting Friday unless the shutdown ends by then. This comes as more FAA facilities report staffing shortages, with delays continuing at major hubs including Southern California TRACON and Atlanta's Air Route Traffic Control Center.

Election Reflections and Rare Republican Criticism

In his Fox News interview, Trump offered rare criticism of his party following yesterday's election losses. "The country is doing very well, but as Republicans, you have to talk about it. Because if you don't talk about it – you know, I saw they (Democrats) kept talking about affordability," Trump stated.

He acknowledged that Democrats successfully drove a message of affordability during the election, leading to key wins across the country. Exit polling showed that voters in New Jersey, Virginia, California, and New York City called economic issues their top concern.

Trump commented on specific races, expressing hope for better results in New Jersey where he backed Republican Jack Ciattarelli's gubernatorial bid. He had previously declined to endorse GOP candidate Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia, saying he "didn't think that Virginia was going to do very well." In New York City's mayoral race, he acknowledged that Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani had "a pretty open shot" and suggested Mamdani should reach out to him.

Supreme Court Tariffs Hearing

Trump also commented on the Supreme Court's hearing today on his global tariffs policy. "Well, I heard the court case went well today," he said, adding that he believed the case was one of the most significant in U.S. history. The court is weighing whether Trump overstepped his presidential authority in imposing sweeping global tariffs, a cornerstone of his economic and national security policy.

As the shutdown continues to impact millions of Americans and the political landscape shifts following the elections, all eyes are on whether Trump can convince his party to support filibuster elimination or if a compromise solution can be reached before the FAA's Friday deadline.