Thune Prepares to Trigger Nuclear Option to Push Trump Nominees Through Senate

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is preparing to invoke the “nuclear option” to break a Democratic blockade and expedite confirmation of dozens of Trump administration nominees for lower-level positions. The move would bypass the traditional 60-vote filibuster threshold, allowing approvals by a simple majority.

Thune introduced a resolution grouping around 40 nominees. While the Senate must first vote to end debate with 60 votes, Democrats are expected to block it. Thune plans to strategically switch his vote from yes to no, placing himself on the prevailing side of the failed cloture vote — a procedural step that allows him to request a revote.

After debate is cut off following a failed cloture attempt, Thune is expected to raise a point of order claiming that cloture on such resolutions only requires a majority. The presiding officer — likely Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley or Vice President J.D. Vance — will reject the point of order. Thune would then appeal the ruling, which can be overturned with just 51 votes, setting a new Senate precedent.

If successful, the new rule could be used as early as Sept. 15 to force a new cloture vote, with final confirmation of the nominees by Sept. 17. The tactic would not apply to cabinet or judicial nominees, only to subcabinet and other lower-level positions.

Supporters argue the move will cut through delays on routine nominees, while critics warn it further erodes Senate norms and bipartisan cooperation — echoing earlier uses of the nuclear option by Harry Reid in 2013 and Mitch McConnell in 2017.