President Donald Trump took to Twitter Friday morning to criticize the House Freedom Caucus for opposing the House Republicans’ alternative to Obamacare.
Trump hit members of the coalition of conservative GOP representatives, arguing that it is ironic that they oppose the bill, since it will halt payments to Planned Parenthood.
The bill, the American Health Care Act, would strip funds from Planned Parenthood for one year.
The irony is that the Freedom Caucus, which is very pro-life and against Planned Parenthood, allows P.P. to continue if they stop this plan!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump)1490358180.0
Members of the Freedom Caucus met with Trump on Thursday, but the two sides did not reach a deal. The conservative lawmakers argue the bill does not go far enough toward fully repealing Obamacare.
The Trump administration has reportedly issued an ultimatum to Republican lawmakers, saying that if they don’t approve the bill on Friday, they will be “stuck” with Obamacare.
Trump also tweeted that for Obamacare foes, “this is finally your chance” for another plan.
After seven horrible years of ObamaCare (skyrocketing premiums & deductibles, bad healthcare), this is finally your chance for a great plan!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump)1490357672.0
Conservatives took issue with the president’s approach, expressing opposition to the AHCA while arguing that stripping funds from Planned Parenthood should merit its own legislation.
I'm sure they'd be happy to vote on a straight Planned Parenthood defund bill. https://t.co/PWKxab2kx1— Brian Phillips (@Brian Phillips)1490358881.0
Or, you know, they could write a separate bill defunding Planned Parenthood https://t.co/HXoyBuIKnM— Matt Walsh (@Matt Walsh)1490359591.0
I care about precious human life from the very beginning all the way through to the very end. You're not fooling us… https://t.co/T6MSnfnrhG— Alyssa Krumm (@Alyssa Krumm)1490359443.0
The irony is that you're mad at conservatives for voting against a plan that isn't Conservative. https://t.co/M4VT4uazOl— Cabot Phillips (@Cabot Phillips)1490359373.0
It sure didn't take long for Trump to become a full-fledged politician. https://t.co/qXmnFBigs7— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes)1490358703.0
Gov't funding makes up roughly half of #PlannedParenthood's annual $1.1 billion budget. House bill only defunds th… https://t.co/vM2peUibhR— Jason Calvi (@Jason Calvi)1490359786.0
The Freedom Caucus bill completely defunds PP. You oppose it. https://t.co/HihIH4jj9S— Donny Ferguson 🗽 (@Donny Ferguson 🗽)1490360250.0
Members of the media questioned the president’s strategy.
Imagine being a lifelong abortion foe and having a recent convert troll you like this. And for the Trump-defying HF… https://t.co/RTDNcx2PkT— Tim Alberta (@Tim Alberta)1490358637.0