Why Republicans are defying Trump and refusing to get rid of the Senate filibuster

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Many GOP senators have been malleable on Trump's other demands. But this one seems to be a bridge too far. A look at the real reasons why they're so far holding the line.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) speaks to members of the media outside the Senate Chamber.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has said there are not enough votes to undo the filibuster, regardless of Trump's demands.Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

April 12, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT

By Sahil Kapur

WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., was recently confronted with a leading question by a conservative journalist: “Why is the filibuster more important than stopping illegals from voting?”

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