Crockett is crying again! Can you believe it?
Democrats are once again blaming President Donald Trump for problems they helped create—this time over rising health care costs and expiring ObamaCare subsidies.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett claimed Friday that Trump and Republicans have “no interest” in making health care more affordable, as enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies are scheduled to expire and insurance premiums are expected to rise for millions of Americans.
Speaking on MSNBC, Crockett told host Chris Hayes that seniors are increasingly worried about the cost of living, rent increases, and stagnant retirement income.
“I’ve been talking to my seniors, and they are so very concerned because the cost of rent is going up and their checks aren’t,” Crockett said. “People are really scared about what’s coming with the health care cliff.”
Crockett went on to accuse Republicans of refusing to act on health care, despite ongoing negotiations and multiple GOP proposals focused on lowering costs without expanding federal control.
Shutdown Warnings Resurface
The Texas Democrat also warned that another government shutdown could be approaching after January 30, when the current spending agreement expires. That deal followed a record 43-day shutdown earlier in Trump’s presidency—an episode Democrats continue to reference while deflecting blame for Washington gridlock.
Earlier this week, Crockett escalated her rhetoric even further, claiming Republicans “couldn’t care less about governing.”
Obamacare Subsidies at Center of Fight
After the government reopened in November, Congress failed to reach an agreement to extend enhanced Obamacare premium tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. Without action, many Americans could see higher monthly insurance premiums.
Republicans have resisted simply extending subsidies without reforms, arguing that long-term solutions should focus on affordability, competition, and consumer choice—not endless government spending.
However, Bill Cassidy, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said discussions are underway.
Cassidy noted that a potential compromise could temporarily extend tax credits while expanding health savings accounts (HSAs), giving Americans the freedom to choose how they manage health care costs.
“There’s potential for a deal,” Cassidy said, adding that negotiations are still ongoing.
Moderate Republicans in the House may also push for a vote early next year to address the expiring subsidies.
Trump Signals Action on Health Care Prices
President Trump, meanwhile, has signaled a willingness to work across the aisle—while placing responsibility squarely on insurance companies, not taxpayers.
Last week, Trump said he plans to meet with major insurance executives to demand lower prices for consumers as health care costs continue rising into 2026. The meeting could take place in Florida or at the White House early next year.
“I’m calling in the insurance companies that are making so much money,” Trump said during an Oval Office announcement on drug prices. “They’re going to have to make less—much less.”
Trump has also warned voters that Democrats, whom he says are “beholden” to powerful insurance interests, could trigger another shutdown if negotiations collapse.
As the health care debate intensifies, Democrats are already pointing fingers—while Republicans and the Trump administration argue that real reform, not political fear-mongering, is the only path to lower costs for American families.