Did anyone expect Bernie to say this?
In a moment few saw coming, Senator Bernie Sanders — one of President Donald Trump’s fiercest critics — openly praised Trump’s political skill, leaving even liberal anchors stunned.
Speaking Monday on CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins, Sanders said,
“Trump may be crazy and Trump may lie all of the time, but he’s a good politician.”
The Vermont socialist, long known for fiery attacks on Trump, admitted that President Trump clearly understands what the American people are feeling — especially when it comes to the nation’s ongoing health care crisis.
“Trump sees the same polls we all see,” Sanders said. “He knows Americans can’t afford health care now.”
Sanders Acknowledges Trump’s Political Power
Sanders went on to say that Trump’s influence over the Republican Party remains unmatched, calling him “a politician who knows exactly where his voters stand.”
The comments come as the government remains partially shut down, with Senate Democrats and Republicans deadlocked over extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that are set to expire next year.
Sanders even took a swipe at House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), saying it was “pathetic” that some lawmakers “went on vacation” during the crisis.
Trump Responds: Ready to Work With Democrats — On His Terms
President Trump fired back on Truth Social, declaring that he’s willing to work with Democrats “on their failed healthcare policies — or anything else,” but only after they reopen the government.
“The shutdown must end,” Trump wrote, “but America cannot keep throwing money at broken liberal health care schemes.”
The Left Turns on Itself
Just days earlier, Sanders joined Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) in an online video rant about the spending bill and their decision to withhold votes. The duo claimed the lapse in ACA subsidies was a “dealbreaker,” yet critics said their stunt only hurt working families.
At one point, Sanders lamented, “People are going bankrupt over chemotherapy.” Ocasio-Cortez chimed in, “People can’t afford insulin.”
But for many conservatives, the real headline wasn’t their policy complaints — it was Sanders admitting what much of Washington won’t say:
Donald Trump is a powerful and effective political leader.