Republicans are lying to the American people about Trump’s government shutdown

Government Shutdown: The Fight to Protect Affordable Health Insurance

Last updated Oct 2, 2025

TL/DR –

The federal government shut down after the Senate rejected a Republican-drafted stopgap spending bill, affecting millions of federal employees and resulting in the loss of many government services. Republican leaders, including Donald Trump and JD Vance, falsely claim that Democrats have caused the shutdown by demanding benefits for undocumented immigrants. The Democrats’ refusal to support a funding bill is actually due to their insistence on extending federal subsidies for health insurance, without which millions of Americans will have increased costs.

Government Shutdown Over Deferred Health Insurance Subsidies

Adapted from the Oct. 1 episode of “Morning Joe”, the U.S. federal government shut down for the first time in seven years, when the Senate denied the House’s stopgap spending bill. Numerous federal employees will lose pay and many Americans will lose government services.

Donald Trump, JD Vance, and GOP Congress leaders have falsely blamed Democrats for the government shutdown due to alleged demands for undocumented immigrant benefits. The Senate GOP accused Democrats of using the government as a “hostage” to provide undocumented immigrants with free healthcare.

Unfortunately, this information is false. Democrats are not causing a government shutdown to subsidize healthcare for undocumented immigrants as they are already excluded from federal health care programs. The Democrats’ real objective is to ensure that the 22 million Americans who rely on federal subsidies for health insurance are not left without cover. Without legislative action, the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits will expire by year-end.

The crux of the issue is preventing millions of Americans from being uninsured. Democrats have a strong position, as Republicans can’t pass a funding bill without bipartisan support. Senate Democrats must unite under Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to ensure Americans understand they are attempting to provide aid, while Republicans are misleading them.

Claire McCaskill, an MSNBC and NBC News political analyst, was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Missouri. Allison Detzel contributed to this report.

—
Read More US Political News