Amid Government Shutdown, Trump Pushes Republicans to Eliminate Obamacare and Give Money Directly to Americans
As the federal government shutdown entered its 38th day, surpassing all previous closures in American history, President Donald Trump intensified his political messaging, publicly calling on Senate Republicans to abolish the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, and redirect federal health-care spending “directly to the people.”
The remarks, delivered through a series of posts on his social media platform Truth Social, mark a significant escalation in an already tense and polarized legislative environment, as federal agencies remain shuttered and millions of Americans face uncertainty over essential services.
In his posts, Trump sharply criticized the current distribution of health-care funds, arguing that hundreds of billions of dollars are being “sent to money-sucking insurance companies” instead of being given directly to American citizens.
“These funds should be sent directly to the people so they can purchase their own, much better healthcare — and have money left over,” he wrote.
He framed the issue as both a matter of financial fairness and administrative efficiency, reiterating long-standing conservative critiques of federal health-care programs.
Additionally, Trump urged Senate Republicans to “terminate the filibuster,” the procedural rule that requires a 60-vote supermajority to pass most legislation in the Senate.
By eliminating this rule, Trump argued, Republicans could move swiftly to dismantle the Affordable Care Act and implement a system in which federal funds are allocated directly to individual Americans, bypassing insurance companies entirely.
Analysts note that such a move would constitute a dramatic shift in legislative procedure and could provoke significant partisan resistance in the Senate.
Political Gridlock Amid Failed Negotiations
Trump’s remarks coincided with the collapse of bipartisan negotiations over a temporary spending bill intended to reopen key federal agencies.
Democrats have consistently refused to support any measure that does not preserve or extend ACA subsidies, while Republicans insist that the government must first be reopened before any broader health-care debates can occur.
This deadlock has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed or working without pay, disrupted essential government services, and fueled frustration among citizens and lawmakers alike.
Experts note that prolonged shutdowns not only disrupt government operations but also have ripple effects on local economies, social services, and public confidence in institutions.
“Every day the government remains closed, the stakes rise for ordinary Americans,” said Dr. Linda Carver, a political scientist specializing in U.S. governance.
“Payroll delays, halted federal projects, and uncertainty about benefits all contribute to a sense of instability that can affect communities nationwide.”
