The US government shutdown hits day six as President Trump teases a possible deal with Democrats on health care — then backs off, saying they must reopen the government first.In a post on Truth Social on Monday evening, Trump accused Democrats of initiating the shutdown, saying, “Democrats have SHUT DOWN the United States Government right in the midst of one of the most successful Economies, including a Record Stock Market, that our Country has ever had. This has sadly affected so many programs, services, and other elements of Society that Americans rely on — And it should not have happened.”He continued, “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!” Earlier on Monday, Trump indicated he was open to a deal with Democrats on health care, telling reporters, “We have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things.” Speaking from the Oval Office, he added, “And I’m talking about good things with regard to health care,” but declined to confirm any meetings with Democratic leaders. When asked about negotiating Affordable Care Act subsidies, which Democrats aim to extend ahead of potential premium increases, Trump stated he would consider it. “If we made the right deal, I’d make a deal. Sure,” he said. He further criticised, “You have subsidies, that’s the problem with ObamaCare. The subsidies are so much, it’s billions and billions of rupees being wasted. And we could have a much better health care than we have right now,” adding, “And we’re talking to them. I’m not saying that’s going to happen.” In response, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) countered Trump’s assertion that discussions with Democrats were occurring with White House officials. “I do not know of any Democrats who have spoken to President Trump or members of his administration on this issue of reopening the government, enacting a bipartisan spending agreement, and addressing the Republican health care crisis,” Jeffries told reporters in the Capitol, where House GOP leaders had cancelled votes all week. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) issued a statement asserting that Senate Democrats were not involved in such talks but were willing to participate. “Trump’s claim isn’t true — but if he’s finally ready to work with Democrats, we’ll be at the table,” Schumer said. The govt shut down on Wednesday after Democrats and Republicans in the Senate failed to reach a funding deal, with Democrats demanding an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at the end of the year. The White House on Monday backed off President Donald Trump’s assertion that federal employees were already being laid off due to the shutdown, while warning that job losses could occur if the standoff drags into a seventh day. For the fifth time, the Republican-led Senate rejected competing measures to fund federal agencies, with neither a Republican plan to finance operations through November 21 nor a Democratic proposal that would also extend expiring health care subsidies receiving enough support.
