U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday called on Democrats to end the ongoing government shutdown, saying he will not discuss extending health care tax credits until Congress passes the Republican-backed funding proposal.
Trump’s comments, posted on Truth Social, marked a reversal from earlier in the day when he suggested he was open to bipartisan talks on health care.
“Democrats have SHUT DOWN the United States Government right in the midst of one of the most successful Economies, including a Record Stock Market, that our Country has ever had,” Trump wrote Monday evening. “I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open. In fact, they should open our Government tonight!”
Earlier, Trump told reporters at the White House that “a negotiation” with Democrats “could lead to very good things” on health care, though he declined to say whether he had met with Democratic leaders. Asked whether he would support a deal on Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, Trump replied, “If we made the right deal, I’d make a deal. Sure.”
Democratic leaders quickly dismissed Trump’s claim that discussions were underway. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told reporters, “I do not know of any Democrats who have spoken to President Trump or members of his administration on this issue of reopening the government, enacting a bipartisan spending agreement, and addressing the Republican health care crisis.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also denied that any talks were taking place. “Trump’s claim isn’t true — but if he’s finally ready to work with Democrats, we’ll be at the table,” Schumer said in a statement.
The U.S. government shut down on Wednesday after lawmakers failed to agree on a spending package. Democrats have demanded that any funding bill include an extension of enhanced ACA tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Without renewal, average premiums for ACA enrollees could rise by more than 75%, according to health policy group KFF.
Republican leaders insist that health care negotiations should be handled separately from government funding talks. Democrats argue that allowing the subsidies to lapse would impose significant financial strain on millions of Americans who rely on the ACA for coverage.
As the shutdown enters its fifth day, essential federal services continue to operate on limited capacity, while agencies warn that prolonged inaction could delay pay for federal workers and slow key economic data releases.
