Trump Issues Democrat Warning
President Donald Trump warned supporters Friday that Democrats could allow a government shutdown early next year as enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits are set to expire at the start of 2026.
Speaking at a rally in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Trump said Democrats are more focused on protecting insurance industry interests than preventing higher health care costs for American families and seniors.
Trump told the crowd that political disagreements over health care spending could once again lead to Washington gridlock, putting federal operations at risk.
According to the president, sharp increases in insurance premiums expected next year are the result of long-standing policies tied to the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare. Trump argued that the law has failed to deliver affordable coverage for millions of Americans, particularly those living on fixed incomes.
“This is not something my administration created,” Trump said, emphasizing that the health care law was passed under former President Barack Obama. “These rising costs are tied to ObamaCare, not Trump.”
Trump said large insurance providers have benefited while consumers continue to face higher deductibles, premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses. He criticized what he described as a lack of competition in the health insurance market.
The president said his administration is working toward lowering health care and prescription drug costs by negotiating directly with industry leaders. He said meetings with insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and drug distributors are aimed at driving down prices for patients.
Trump suggested that direct negotiations could lead to substantial price reductions, particularly for prescription medications commonly used by seniors.
In addition, Trump promoted TrumpRX, a new direct-to-consumer prescription drug platform his administration says will allow Americans to purchase medications at lower prices by reducing reliance on insurance middlemen.
The North Carolina rally was part of a broader series of events as Trump begins campaigning ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans are hoping Trump’s continued engagement with voters will help maintain GOP majorities in both the House and Senate.
Political analysts have long noted Trump’s impact on voter turnout.
“When President Trump is actively campaigning, Republicans tend to perform better,” said Republican strategist Matt Terrill, who previously worked on Senator Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign.
The campaign effort began last week in Pennsylvania, where Trump credited White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for encouraging him to begin traveling the country to promote his administration’s record.
Meanwhile, Democrats are signaling they may use the January 30 government funding deadline to push for extended federal health care subsidies. Similar tactics were used during last year’s prolonged shutdown.
Senator Elizabeth Warren recently warned that the health care debate is ongoing after legislation to extend ACA subsidies failed to advance in Congress.
Federal estimates suggest that if the ACA subsidies expire, approximately 4.8 million Americans could lose health insurance coverage in 2026. More than 20 million others could face significantly higher monthly premiums.
Trump has argued that long-term health care reform, increased competition, and lower drug prices offer a more sustainable solution than temporary government subsidies.
