In a recent interview with CBS News' "60 Minutes," President Donald Trump made it abundantly clear that he would not be swayed by the Democrats' demands on health care as a means to end the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The President's firm stance, coupled with his refusal to negotiate over health care cuts to pass a continuing resolution, has sent a clear message to the Democrats. As reported by Western Journal, Trump stated, "I'm not going to do it by being extorted by the Democrats" and added, "there is something wrong with these people."
The president's interview also included a call to end the filibuster, a move that may not be the most strategic in the long term, but one that is sure to grab the attention of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The CBS News' correspondent, Norah ODonnell, seemed to echo the Democrats' talking points, particularly on the shutdown and health care. She stated, "Three quarters of these people [that] will see their healthcare premiums double live in states where you won in the last election."
In response, Trump confidently asserted, "And Im saying we can fix it, Norah." He further expressed his competence in ending shutdowns but reiterated his refusal to be coerced by the Democrats. He criticized Schumer, stating, "Schumer is a basket case, and he has nothing to lose. Hes become a kamikaze."
When ODonnell suggested that the situation seemed unlikely to be resolved, Trump confidently responded, "Its gonna get solved, yeah. Oh, its gonna get solved. Well get it solved. Eventually, theyre gonna have to vote." He also suggested that the Democrats would eventually have to capitulate and proposed the nuclear option of ending the filibuster.
Despite the unlikelihood of this happening due to GOP Senate Majority Leader John Thune's stance, it certainly gives Schumer and the Democrats a new aspect to consider. Trump also hinted at a willingness to negotiate with the Democrats on fixing health care at an appropriate time, but not to perpetuate a flawed program.
He stated, "We can make it much less expensive for people and give them much better healthcare."
Trump criticized the Democrats' priorities, stating, "The problem is, they want to give money to prisoners, to drug dealers, to all these millions of people that were allowed to come in with an open border from Biden. And nobody can do that."
The President's message to Schumer and the Democrats is clear: they need to reconsider their strategy. Their current approach may give the impression of a fight, but they need to understand that they are not playing a game of chicken with the other party. Instead, they are up against an immovable force.
If the Democrats genuinely care about health care and the American people, they should reopen the government and work towards fixing the broken system. Alternatively, they can continue to bear the responsibility for a month-long shutdown that has paralyzed the federal government until they achieve an unlikely victory.
Trump has laid down the challenge: the choice is theirs, but they must also bear the consequences of their decision.
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