President Trump escalated the shutdown fight, attacking Affordable Care Act tax credits Democrats want extended and urging that subsidies go straight to consumers. In social posts, he argued premiums and insurers’ shares have climbed too much in the 15 years since the law passed, and said he’d work with both parties once the government reopens. Democrats offered a one-year extension to end the impasse; Republicans rejected it. Trump gave no plan details, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said no formal proposal exists. Senator Lindsey Graham called the idea “simply brilliant.”

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.