US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has called for the implementation of new rules to end the government shutdown.

The ‘nuclear option,’ or constitutional option, is a parliamentary procedure that would allow the US Senate to override a rule by a simple majority of 51 votes, instead of by a supermajority of 60 votes

Mr Trump says that if the government shutdown stalemate continues, Republicans should fund the government by changing Senate rules, which currently require a super-majority for bills to pass.

“The Dems (Democrats) just want illegal immigrants to pour into our nation unchecked. If stalemate continues, Republicans should go to 51 per cent (Nuclear Option) and vote on real, long term budget,” Mr Trump tweeted on Sunday.

The proposal was almost immediately rejected by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.

Senate Republicans oppose changing the chamber’s rules to fund the government and end the current shutdown with a simple majority.

“The Republican Conference opposes changing the rules on legislation,” a spokesman said in an email.

Current Senate rules require a super-majority of three-fifths of the chamber, usually 60 out of 100, for legislation to clear procedural hurdles and pass.

Funding for federal agencies ran out on Saturday with Mr Trump and Republican politicians locked in a stand-off with Democrats.

There appeared to be no clear path for a quick end to the crisis.

Democrats say short-term spending legislation must include protections for illegal immigrants brought to the US as children, known as “Dreamers”.

Republicans, who have a slim 51-49 Senate majority, said they would not negotiate on immigration until the government was reopened.