President Donald Trump proposed a new plan Saturday to \u201cterminate\u201d 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 \u201ccurrently being sent to money-sucking insurance companies\u201d should go directly to individuals so they can \u201cpurchase their own, much better, healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am recommending to Senate Republicans that the hundreds of billions of dollars currently being sent to money-sucking insurance companies \u2026 BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE,\u201d Trump wrote. \u201cTake from the BIG, BAD insurance companies, give it to the people, and terminate, per dollar spent, the worst healthcare anywhere in the world, ObamaCare.\u201d He also added, \u201cUnrelated, we must still terminate the filibuster!\u201d<\/p>\n
Trump\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
At the same time, Trump has publicly urged Senate Republicans to \u201cnuke\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
The proposal reflects a recurring theme in Trump\u2019s populist agenda\u2014cutting out intermediaries and redirecting federal spending \u201cto the people.\u201d Critics and policy analysts quickly pointed out logistical and fiscal challenges. Trump overstated subsidy amounts, claiming \u201chundreds of billions\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s message remains clear: end the filibuster, end the shutdown, and end Obamacare.<\/p>\n