President Trump on Sunday called on Senate Republicans to overrule the chamber’s parliamentarian, urging them to push through key elements of his sweeping domestic policy package regardless of procedural rulings.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump backed Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and other conservative voices who have criticized Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough for blocking major parts of the legislation. “Great Congressman Greg Steube is 100% correct. An unelected Senate Staffer (Parliamentarian), should not be allowed to hurt the Republicans Bill. Wants many fantastic things out. NO! DJT,” Trump wrote.
The parliamentarian, a nonpartisan Senate staff official, is tasked with determining whether certain provisions in budget reconciliation bills comply with strict procedural guidelines. These rules allow legislation to bypass the Senate filibuster and pass with a simple majority, but only if the proposals meet specific requirements chiefly, that they directly impact federal spending and stay within budget constraints.
Conservatives erupted in frustration last week after MacDonough ruled against a series of Medicaid reforms included in the Senate’s version of the bill, threatening one of Trump’s signature policy priorities. The decision has sparked growing calls from Republican lawmakers in both chambers to defy her guidance and pass the provisions anyway.
“How is it that an unelected swamp bureaucrat, who was appointed by former Sen. Harry Reid over a decade ago, gets to decide what can and cannot go in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill?” Steube posted on X.
The pressure from Trump and his allies signals a growing willingness within the GOP to challenge long-standing Senate norms in pursuit of pushing through his agenda. With the reconciliation process offering a rare chance to pass major legislation without Democratic support, Republicans are weighing how far they’re willing to go to get the bill over the finish line.
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