WASHINGTON, 20 October (H.S.): On Sunday, President Donald Trump intensified his attack on Democrats as the federal government shutdown neared its third week with no resolution in sight. In a forceful interview, Trump described the opposition as kamikaze pilots and declared his intention to use the budgetary impasse to permanently eliminate social welfare programs that Republicans have long opposed.
The protracted shutdown began after Democrats blocked a government funding bill, demanding the inclusion of an extension for enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies set to expire in 2025. The stalemate has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay.
Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, maintain that failing to extend the subsidies before the November open enrollment period could cause healthcare premiums to spike for millions of Americans.
Speaking on Sunday Morning Futures, Trump argued that the shutdown provides him with the legal authority to slash billions from federal initiatives he described as giveaways and welfare programs.
They didn't realize that that gives me the right to cut programs that Republicans never wanted, Trump stated, adding, And we’re doing that. We’re cutting them permanently. The White House contends that Democrats are prioritizing funding for Medicaid coverage for undocumented immigrants, which Trump warns would imperil healthcare for American citizens.
The administration has already moved to freeze $11 billion in infrastructure projects in states led by Democrats.
During the interview, the President also weighed in on the New York City mayoral race, warning that the city could elect what he termed a communist mayor, referring to Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman from Queens, identifies as a democratic socialist and won the primary with overwhelming support from younger voters.
Trump described Mamdani as pretty slick, but he doesn’t have what it takes, cautioning that New York would face big trouble if he wins.
Mamdani, who recently appeared on Fox News to apologize for past anti-police remarks, has expressed a willingness to partner with anyone to address the city's affordability crisis.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
