On the 38th day of the government shutdown, President Trump urged Senate Republicans to abolish the Affordable Care Act and redirect its subsidies “directly to the people.” In posts on Truth Social, he condemned insurance companies as “money-sucking” entities and called for federal funds to be used instead to help individuals buy their own coverage. His statements came as Senate negotiations to reopen the government collapsed again, deepening partisan conflict over health-care funding.

Democratic leader Chuck Schumer proposed reopening the government while extending ACA subsidies for one year, but Republicans rejected the idea, insisting that policy discussions should follow full government funding. Democrats likewise refused a GOP counteroffer to fund only certain agencies temporarily. Trump also revived his demand to eliminate the Senate filibuster, arguing it blocks conservative reforms, though many Republicans resisted, warning the move could weaken them if Democrats regain power.

The shutdown’s toll continues to mount: federal workers remain unpaid, airlines face staff shortages, and families depending on SNAP benefits await clarity after court-related payment delays. With neither side willing to compromise, Senate leaders now face a political and economic crisis that intertwines a funding standoff with one of the most divisive health-care debates in recent years.