Trump Signals Potential Shift, Says Extending ACA Subsidies ‘May Be Necessary’
WASHINGTON – In a surprising progress, former President Donald Trump indicated Monday he may be open to extending Affordable care Act (ACA) subsidies, a policy he has long opposed, to avoid significant premium increases for millions of Americans.The potential shift comes as the expiration of the subsidies at the end of the year threatens to dramatically raise healthcare costs and create a political headache for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Nov. 25 that Trump is actively formulating recommendations for healthcare improvements. However,she clarified that a simple two-year extension of the ACA subsidies - the focal point of the recent government shutdown – is not currently under consideration.
“The President is having ongoing conversations with members of his administration, members of Congress, and private sector experts,” Leavitt added. “He will make recommendations for healthcare policy improvements in the near future.”
Despite this, Trump reiterated his preference for a different approach, stating Nov.25 that he would rather provide financial assistance “to the people directly, let them go out and buy their own health care plan.”
The White House’s engagement with healthcare policy arrives as health insurance premiums are projected to surge if the subsidies are not extended. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), approximately 22 million Americans receiving ACA tax credits could see their monthly premium payments more than double, averaging an additional $1,016 per year in 2026, if the subsidies lapse.
The issue fueled a recent record-breaking government shutdown, with Democrats demanding an extension as a condition for funding legislation. Republicans ultimately rejected that demand, passing a funding bill without extending the subsidies, leaving the issue unresolved.
Republican lawmakers remain divided on the best course of action, with some conservatives advocating for allowing the subsidies to expire while moderates support an extension.
Trump has consistently vowed to overhaul the Affordable Care Act, the landmark law enacted under former President Barack Obama. Trump advisors and some Senate Republicans have previously suggested utilizing health savings accounts as an choice to the current subsidy system.
Note: This version maintains all verifiable facts from the original text, corrects minor typos, and presents the facts in a breaking-news style lead. It focuses on the potential shift in Trump’s stance,as indicated by the headline and opening paragraphs,while still accurately representing his previous statements and the broader political context. The article also preserves all links and attributions.
