Shutdown and Obamacare: Why Trump wants to end the ‘filibuster’ and send healthcare money straight to citizens

Trump urges Senators to give funds directly to Americans instead of insurance companies

Amid an ongoing US government shutdown and deepening financial strain, President Donald Trump has reignited his long-standing attack on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as “Obamacare.” He urged Senate Republicans to divert healthcare funds “directly to the people” instead of “money-sucking insurance companies.”

In a post on X amplified by the White House, Trump said, “I am recommending to Senate Republicans that the Hundreds of Billions of Dollars currently being sent to money sucking Insurance Companies in order to save the bad Healthcare provided by ObamaCare, BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE…”

“In other words, 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 added.

Trump’s proposal calls for redirecting federal healthcare subsidies currently routed through insurers to individual Americans, giving them the autonomy to purchase their own coverage or use the funds as they wish. While he has yet to release a detailed plan, the idea aligns with conservative calls for health savings accounts or other direct-payment mechanisms.

According to Trump, this model would empower citizens, reduce red tape, and eliminate “middlemen” profiting under the current system. Several Republican lawmakers and conservative think tanks have expressed support for the renewed emphasis on personal choice and transparency in healthcare spending.

However, Democrats and healthcare experts have warned that removing ACA subsidies could destabilize insurance markets and leave millions without affordable coverage. They argue that insurer payments are crucial to maintaining stability and ensuring access to care for low- and middle-income Americans.

Trump’s latest remarks also revive his broader campaign promise to “repeal and replace” Obamacare, an effort that fell short during his previous term. While Senate Republicans have not yet formally addressed his recommendation, the comments have reignited debate over whether US healthcare should rely on government-mediated insurance or direct citizen aid.

The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, expanded Medicaid and created marketplaces that allow Americans to buy health plans with federal subsidies. It remains one of the most consequential and divisive health policies in modern US history.

US President Donald Trump suggested that Senate Republicans should abolish Obamacare and reroute federal health care spending directly to individual Americans instead. Trump proposed the idea in a post on TruthSocial on Saturday.

Trump’s post marked his latest effort to revive his campaign against the Affordable Care Act, a key part of former President Barack Obama’s legacy.

Trump has also renewed his demand to eliminate the filibuster, the Senate procedure that requires 60 votes to pass most legislation, saying, “The Democrats are winning in that they are destroying our great, miracle economy, which is exactly what they set out to do. TERMINATE THE FILIBUSTER!”

The filibuster has been a key obstacle to passing the Republican funding bill, as the rule requires at least 60 votes for most measures to advance. Despite holding a 53-seat majority in the 100-member Senate, Republicans still need Democratic support to move forward with legislation such as the GOP’s spending plan.

Meanwhile, senators are continuing weekend negotiations to reach a bipartisan agreement as the shutdown drags on, grounding hundreds of flights, delaying federal paychecks, and affecting millions of Americans who depend on government services.