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Trump says Supreme Court ending Obamacare would be "a big WIN"

Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

President Trump on Sunday tweeted that the Supreme Court invalidating the Affordable Care Act would be "a big WIN for the USA!"

Why it matters: Democrats have argued that confirming a Trump-appointed justice to the Supreme Court would put the Affordable Care Act, which protects pre-existing conditions, in jeopardy. Trump's Supreme Court pick, Amy Coney Barrett, has written that she disagreed with Chief Justice John Roberts when he ruled to uphold the law.

What he's saying: "Obamacare will be replaced with a MUCH better, and FAR cheaper, alternative if it is terminated in the Supreme Court. Would be a big WIN for the USA!"

  • In Charlotte last Friday, Trump promised to replace the ACA with a plan offering "the highest standard of care anywhere in the world," but offered little in terms of policy specifics.

The other side: "President Trump just admitted his nominee will strike down the Affordable Care Act," tweeted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in response.

Reality check: Trump has said that he is protecting pre-existing conditions, despite the fact that they are only at risk because of a Republican lawsuit (supported by the Trump administration) to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.

  • The president last Friday signed an executive order stating it was U.S. policy to protect pre-existing conditions — which is already guaranteed under the ACA.
  • In a briefing call with reporters earlier that day, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar failed to explain how Trump's executive order would have any teeth if the Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional.
  • Axios' Caitlin Owens writes, "The executive order is yet another example of Trump's political gaslighting on the subject."

What to watch: The Supreme Court is expected to hear the ACA case the week after the election.

Go deeper:

Go deeper

Rebecca Falconer, Orion Rummler
Jan 4, 2021 - Politics & Policy

"Impeachable offense": Democrats react to Trump's Georgia call

Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Leading Democrats accused President Trump Sunday of corruption, "abuse of power" and committing an "impeachable offense" for urging Georgia's Republican Secretary of State in a phone call to overturn Joe Biden's election win.

Why it matters: Trump was impeached by House Democrats in December 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress for pressing Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden, before being acquitted in the GOP-controlled Senate.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow
Mike Allen, author of AM
Jan 4, 2021 - Politics & Policy

McConnell Party vs. Trump Party

Photo: Samuel Corum-Pool/Getty Images

The Republican battle lines being formed in President Trump's final days — his loyalists vs. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's establishment — will shape American politics for the next four years. 

Why it matters: This power struggle will help define everything from the future of conservatism and right-wing media to President-elect Biden’s ability to win Republican cooperation in office. More broadly and more importantly, the outcome will determine if Trumpism — and its norm-smashing tactics — come to permanently define one of America's two major political parties.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
Jan 3, 2021 - Politics & Policy

What to expect from the new Congress

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wields the Speaker's gavel on Jan. 3. Photo: Erin Scott/pool/AFP via Getty Images

House Democrats plan to reintroduce nine of their most-favored bills during the 117th Congress that began today, but how far the legislation gets will hinge on the outcome of the Georgia Senate races later this week.

Why it matters: Today was filled with pomp and circumstance, including Nancy Pelosi winning another term as House speaker after some recently COVID-positive members came into the chamber to vote in her favor. But whether Republicans maintain the Senate or Democrats win a narrow majority will determine if she and President-elect Joe Biden can enact their agendas.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow