President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday that Republicans "must keep their promise" to repeal Obamacare and hit Democrats for screaming "death" in their criticism of GOP efforts.
Trump invited GOP senators to lunch on Tuesday in the aftermath of the collapse of the Better Care Reconciliation Act, the Senate GOP attempt spearheaded by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) to repeal and replace Obamacare. Four Republicans announced their opposition, effectively killing the legislation.
"I will be having lunch at the White House today with Republican Senators concerning healthcare. They MUST keep their promise to America!" Trump tweeted.
In a follow-up tweet, he said, "The Republicans never discuss how good their healthcare bill is, & it will get even better at lunchtime. The Dems scream death as OCare dies!"
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/887650824515661824
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/887654816507408384
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) has stated on multiple occasions that GOP health care legislation will cause "thousands" of people to die, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) has referred to it as tax cuts for the rich paid for by "blood money."
Trump said Tuesday that the White House would "let Obamacare fail" and then the Democrats would be forced to negotiate with Republicans on how to fix the law's failing exchanges and other struggles like lack of insurer choices.
McConnell announced the Senate will vote next on a clean repeal of the law, with a delay allowing time to replace it later. However, McConnell does not have the votes as of Wednesday for that to be possible either.