On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump called on the Senate to eliminate the filibuster rule that delays voting on legislation.

Trump stated, “The choice is clear—go nuclear, get rid of the filibuster.”

He noted that he had given the matter considerable thought during his return from an Asian tour that included Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, which concluded with a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

This statement came shortly after Trump announced the immediate launch of new nuclear weapons tests, alluding to Russia’s recent trials of the Burevestnik missile and Poseidon torpedo.

The filibuster is a long-standing Senate tactic used to delay or block votes by prolonging debate. Overcoming it requires 60 out of 100 votes, giving Democrats leverage over the Republican majority, which holds 53 seats. This dynamic contributed to a government shutdown that began on October 1, coinciding with the start of the new fiscal year.