Washington: US President Donald Trump on Saturday urged Senate Republicans to scrap Obamacare and redirect the funds sent to health insurance companies 'directly to the people.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump criticized the insurance program introduced under former President Barack Obama in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. He argued that Obamacare has failed to improve the country's healthcare system and advised Senate Republicans to redirect 'hundreds of billions of dollars' currently being given to insurance companies to individuals instead. He suggested that this would allow people to purchase better healthcare and have money left over.

Trump emphasized his point by stating, 'In other words, take from the big, bad insurance companies, give it to the people, and terminate, per dollar spent, the worst healthcare anywhere in the world, ObamaCare.' This statement marks his latest effort to challenge the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, which was enacted in 2010 during Obama's presidency.

The issue has become a significant point of contention, with Senate Democrats making Obamacare insurance subsidies central to their platform. They have refused to support a House-passed government reopening bill unless the subsidies, which are scheduled to increase at the beginning of the year, are addressed.

Trump's comments have surfaced amid the ongoing government shutdown, which has led to widespread disruptions for Americans. Airport operations have been affected, with airlines canceling hundreds of flights due to staffing shortages among unpaid air traffic controllers, highlighting the shutdown's growing impact.