President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of the Affordable Care Act, calling Obamacare “terrible” and “bad healthcare at far too high a price,” while extending an olive branch to Democrats — offering to work together on a fix once they agree to reopen the government.

“Obamacare is terrible. It’s bad healthcare at far too high a price. We should fix that… and we can fix it with the Democrats. All they have to do is let the country open, and we’ll fix it,” President Trump said.

The remarks came amid the ongoing government shutdown, now one of the longest in U.S. history, caused by partisan gridlock over federal funding. Trump’s comments signal his willingness to reach across the aisle on healthcare reform, but only after Democrats stop blocking efforts to reopen essential government services.  

The President’s position highlights two core themes of his administration: restoring fiscal responsibility and making healthcare both affordable and effective. He has long argued that Obamacare burdened working families with high premiums, limited options, and government inefficiency. Under his plan, reform would focus on competition, price transparency, and patient-centered care — policies designed to empower consumers rather than bureaucrats.

White House officials have suggested that bipartisan talks on healthcare could begin quickly once the shutdown ends, provided Democrats cooperate in funding legislation. Trump emphasized that progress is impossible while the government remains closed, urging Democratic leaders to “put politics aside and put the American people first.”

The message reflects Trump’s broader governing style — blunt, transactional, and results-driven. He’s not rejecting cooperation; he’s demanding responsibility. The choice, as the President frames it, is simple: reopen the country, and work together to fix what’s broken.

For millions of Americans frustrated with rising healthcare costs, Trump’s words serve as both critique and promise — that real reform is possible, but only when Washington stops playing shutdown politics and starts working for the people again.