Trump Backs Health Care Talks — But Only After Government Reopens

By Manisha Sahu, America News World
October 7, 2025

Washington, D.C.President Donald Trump signaled a brief openness to negotiating with Democrats on a health care deal tied to the ongoing government shutdown — only to quickly walk back his comments and reiterate that the government must first be reopened before any substantive discussions can take place.

The remarks came on Monday as the federal government entered its sixth day of a partial shutdown, triggered by a standoff between the White House and congressional Democrats over the renewal of health care subsidies that reduce costs for millions of Americans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Democrats have made it clear that their support for a short-term government funding measure hinges on an agreement to extend enhanced health insurance subsidies, also known as premium tax credits, which were introduced under the ACA — commonly referred to as Obamacare. These subsidies help middle- and lower-income Americans afford coverage on the federal health insurance marketplace.

“We have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “And I’m talking about good things with regard to health care.”

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His statement initially appeared to offer a rare glimmer of optimism amid an otherwise stagnant impasse that has seen limited communication between both parties since the shutdown began. But within hours, Trump appeared to retract the offer, aligning himself once again with Republican congressional leaders, who have insisted that the government must first be reopened before any policy negotiations take place.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump wrote, “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!”

The reversal effectively reaffirmed the White House’s hardline stance that Democrats are responsible for prolonging the shutdown by tying government funding to health care policy concessions.

Democrats Deny Active Negotiations

Before Trump clarified his position online, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) both denied that any active negotiations with the White House were underway.

“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 Monday afternoon.

Jeffries echoed that sentiment, saying the administration had “gone radio silent” since last week’s meeting in the Oval Office. “There’s been no meaningful outreach from the White House,” Jeffries told reporters. “If the president is sincere about finding a way forward, Democrats are willing to have that conversation — but not under the threat of a government shutdown.”

The Democratic leadership has framed the shutdown as a consequence of what they describe as Republican brinkmanship, arguing that extending ACA subsidies is essential to preventing millions of Americans from facing higher insurance premiums in 2026.

Shutdown Impacts Mount

The six-day shutdown has already begun to strain several federal services, with national parks, museums, and passport offices either closed or operating with limited staff. Thousands of federal employees remain furloughed or are working without pay, while air travel and federal loan processing have also experienced disruptions.

Analysts warn that a prolonged shutdown could have economic consequences, especially if it continues into mid-October, when another deadline to raise the debt ceiling looms. Economists estimate that the U.S. economy loses approximately $140 million per day in productivity and delayed government spending during a shutdown of this magnitude.

The impasse has also complicated efforts to pass other key pieces of legislation, including the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and a bipartisan infrastructure funding extension.

A Familiar Standoff

This latest political standoff bears resemblance to previous funding battles in Washington, particularly during Trump’s first term in office, when a 35 days government shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — was sparked by disputes over border wall funding.

This time, the conflict centers on health care — a deeply divisive issue that has long split the two parties. Trump and Republicans have criticized Obamacare as “unsustainable” and “inflationary,” while Democrats argue that the ACA’s subsidies are vital for millions of working families who would otherwise be unable to afford coverage.

Political observers say Trump’s brief overture toward compromise may have been an attempt to project flexibility amid growing public frustration over the shutdown. However, his swift retreat back to a more confrontational position underscores the deep partisan divide that has made compromise increasingly elusive in Washington.

The Road Ahead

Despite the gridlock, some moderates in both parties have hinted at potential off-ramps. A small group of bipartisan lawmakers — including Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) — have reportedly explored a short-term funding extension that would reopen the government for 30 days while establishing a separate framework to address health care subsidies and other policy differences.

Still, with neither Trump nor Democratic leaders showing willingness to back down, the political deadlock appears likely to continue for now.

“The American people expect us to keep the government open,” Schumer said. “If Republicans are serious about helping families afford health care, they can prove it by joining us at the negotiating table — not by holding federal workers hostage.”

Trump, meanwhile, doubled down on his message Monday night: “The Democrats have a choice — they can keep the government closed, or they can do what’s right and open it. Once that happens, I’m ready to talk about health care, and everything else.”

For now, both sides remain dug in — and with every passing day, the costs of Washington’s gridlock continue to grow.

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