Trump predicts January government shutdown over health care dispute

US President Donald Trump told supporters on December 19 that Democrats are likely to shut down the federal government in January over health care disputes, warning that the standoff will come as Affordable Care Act tax credits are set to expire at the start of the new year.

Speaking at a rally in Rocky Mount, Trump accused Democrats of acting in the interests of insurance companies rather than voters. “The problem is that Democrats will shut down the government because they are beholden … to the insurance companies,” he said. “So I don’t know what they can do about it, but they’ll probably close down the government. It’s so simple.”

Trump argued that Democrats were responsible for the sharp increase in Affordable Care Act premiums expected next year, claiming they had “demanded” the hikes. He reiterated his long-standing criticism of the law, again calling it the “Unaffordable Care Act,” and said he deserved credit for the label.

“But it was always no good, but now it’s really gone,” Trump said. “Remember, I didn’t do this. This is ObamaCare, this is ObamaCare. This isn’t Trump. But you don’t need it.”

The president described health insurers as “big monster companies,” while promising that Americans would ultimately receive affordable coverage. He said the public would have “great health care at the right price, and you’re going to have it,” adding that he plans to meet with leaders of insurance, pharmaceutical, and drug companies.

Trump suggested that negotiations could lead to major price reductions. “So rather than just saying, ‘We’re not going to deal,’ maybe they’ll give us a deal by cutting prices by 50 per cent, and maybe this makes sense,” he said.

He also promoted TrumpRX, a forthcoming direct-to-consumer platform that the administration says will allow patients to purchase medications at lower prices by bypassing insurance companies.

The rally marked part of a nationwide campaign ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with Trump seeking to showcase his administration’s record. Republicans are hoping Trump’s active involvement will help them retain control of both the House and the Senate, amid concerns that his absence from the ballot could weaken turnout.

“When President Trump is on the ballot, Republicans tend to do well. When he’s not on the ballot, Republicans don’t do as well,” said Matt Terrill, who previously served as chief of staff during Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign.

The rally tour began in Pennsylvania last week, with Trump crediting White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for urging him to “start campaigning.”

At the same time, Democrats may attempt to use the January 30 government funding deadline to extract concessions from Republicans on federal health care spending, similar to tactics used during the 43-day government shutdown between October and November. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts warned that the “fight is not over” after Republicans failed to pass legislation extending Affordable Care Act subsidies.

According to estimates, about 4.8 million Americans are expected to lose health insurance coverage in 2026 when the subsidies expire, while more than 20 million people could see their monthly health care costs rise sharply.

By Tamilla Hasanova