Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has drawn attention after publicly backing the elimination of the Senate filibuster, a position also strongly supported by President Donald Trump.

The New York Democrat made the remarks during a conversation with former Obama adviser David Axelrod, where she argued that the Senate’s 60-vote threshold allows lawmakers to avoid accountability on major legislation.

Trump has repeatedly called on Republicans to end the filibuster in order to advance his legislative priorities, including election-related proposals and immigration measures.

The rare agreement between the progressive congresswoman and the Republican president quickly sparked reactions online and renewed debate over one of the Senate’s most controversial rules.

AOC criticizes Senate filibuster

During the interview, Ocasio-Cortez said senators should be forced to directly vote on bills instead of relying on procedural barriers to block legislation.

“When you have to meet a 60-vote threshold, you’re not really responsible for any consequential decisions,” she said.

She specifically mentioned moderate Republican senators such as Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, arguing they should publicly take positions on controversial proposals rather than rely on the filibuster to stop them from advancing.

“Let Lisa Murkowski take that vote on the SAVE Act. Let Susan Collins take that vote on it,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “Call the question. Let these senators assume personal responsibility for their own decisions.”

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The congresswoman also criticized the historical roots of the filibuster, saying it had been used in the past to delay civil rights protections and voting rights legislation.

“I do not appreciate the wholesale fictionalization of American history,” she said, arguing that the procedure was later embraced by segregationists seeking to block racial equality laws.

The filibuster requires 60 votes in the Senate to move most legislation forward, meaning bills often need bipartisan support to pass.

Trump pushes Republicans to “go nuclear”

Trump has spent years calling for the Senate rule to be abolished, arguing that it prevents Republicans from fully implementing their agenda even when they control Congress.

The president recently renewed those demands as Republicans continue pushing election legislation, including the proposed SAVE America Voting Eligibility Act. The bill would require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections.

Trump has also urged lawmakers to include stricter voter identification rules, limits on mail-in voting, and other conservative priorities.

In recent comments posted on Truth Social, Trump said Republicans should use the “nuclear option,” a Senate procedure that allows rules to be changed with a simple majority vote.

“It is now time for Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD’ and go for what is called the Nuclear Option,” Trump wrote.

Republicans currently hold a majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives, but some GOP leaders remain opposed to ending the filibuster.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune recently defended the rule, saying the filibuster “makes the Senate the Senate.”

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Thune and other lawmakers argue that the rule protects the minority party and prevents major policy swings whenever control of Congress changes hands.

Political reactions split across parties

The unusual overlap between Ocasio-Cortez and Trump led to criticism from both conservatives and liberals.

Some Democratic supporters warned that removing the filibuster could eventually help Republicans pass conservative legislation more easily when they regain full control of the government.

Others argued that the Senate has become too gridlocked and that the rule allows lawmakers to avoid difficult votes.

Political commentators and social media users also debated whether ending the filibuster would increase accountability or deepen partisan divisions in Washington.

The debate comes as both parties face growing pressure from their political bases to deliver results on key issues, including voting laws, immigration, healthcare, and federal spending.