Trump calls for Republicans to trigger ‘nuclear option’ if stalemate continues

President Trump on Sunday called for Senate Republicans to trigger the so-called nuclear option if the government shutdown continues and pass a long-term budget with 51 votes.

“Great to see how hard Republicans are fighting for our Military and Safety at the Border. The Dems just want illegal immigrants to pour into our nation unchecked,” Trump tweeted.

“If stalemate continues, Republicans should go to 51% (Nuclear Option) and vote on real, long term budget, no C.R.’s!” he added, referring to a stopgap spending measure known as a continuing resolution.

Great to see how hard Republicans are fighting for our Military and Safety at the Border. The Dems just want illegal immigrants to pour into our nation unchecked. If stalemate continues, Republicans should go to 51% (Nuclear Option) and vote on real, long term budget, no C.R.’s!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018

The nuclear option would involve changing Senate rules to allow legislation to pass with a simple majority instead of 60 votes.

Lawmakers in both parties are fighting hard for an edge in the blame game over the government shutdown.

Republicans are branding it the “Schumer Shutdown,” in reference to Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), and think they have a strong hand because Senate Democrats rejected a continuing resolution passed by the House that would have kept the government open.

Democrats, meanwhile, are pointing to Trump. Schumer said Democrats can’t negotiate a deal with a president who changes his position from hour to hour and is beholden to right-wing supporters above his own priorities.

On Saturday, Trump said Democrats were “holding out Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration.”

He retweeted that post early Sunday.

Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. Can’t let that happen!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018

— This report was last updated at 8:00 a.m.