President Donald Trump proposed a new plan Saturday to “terminate” Obamacare by redirecting federal insurance subsidies directly to Americans, marking one of the most sweeping potential overhauls of the U.S. health care system. He unveiled the idea in a series of Truth Social posts, arguing that money “currently being sent to money-sucking insurance companies” should go directly to individuals so they can “purchase their own, much better, healthcare.”
“I am recommending to Senate Republicans that the hundreds of billions of dollars currently being sent to money-sucking insurance companies … BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE,” Trump wrote. “Take from the BIG, BAD insurance companies, give it to the people, and terminate, per dollar spent, the worst healthcare anywhere in the world, ObamaCare.” He also added, “Unrelated, we must still terminate the filibuster!”
Trump’s comments come amid mounting pressure to end the ongoing government shutdown, which has caused delays for air travelers and uncertainty for millions of low-income Americans. His administration has faced criticism over the refusal to pay SNAP food benefits to 42 million recipients during the shutdown, a decision currently tied up in federal court.
At the same time, Trump has publicly urged Senate Republicans to “nuke” the filibuster and pass spending legislation without Democratic votes. His Saturday post linked the shutdown fight with his health care ambitions, suggesting a direct-payment model for subsidies could offset affordability issues Democrats have used to criticize him.
The proposal reflects a recurring theme in Trump’s populist agenda—cutting out intermediaries and redirecting federal spending “to the people.” Critics and policy analysts quickly pointed out logistical and fiscal challenges. Trump overstated subsidy amounts, claiming “hundreds of billions” go to insurers, while the Congressional Budget Office estimates the 2025 figure at roughly $138 billion. It is also unclear how Americans could purchase coverage without insurance companies administering plans under the ACA.
Reactions were mixed. Some conservatives praised empowering individuals, while others warned dismantling the ACA could destabilize insurance markets and raise costs. Democrats accused Trump of rehashing a failed repeal effort from his first term. The White House has yet to release an official proposal detailing costs or implementation, but Trump’s message remains clear: end the filibuster, end the shutdown, and end Obamacare.
