Congress is locked in a standoff that’s about to hit millions of Americans right in the wallet.
The government shutdown continues, and one of the biggest casualties could be — health care. If lawmakers don’t extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies put in place during COVID, health insurance premiums for more than 20 million people could double.
But instead of offering real solutions, we’re seeing memes and tantrums. So, GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene went off on her own party, writing:
“I’m absolutely disgusted that health insurance premiums will DOUBLE if the tax credits expire this year. Also, I think health insurance and all insurance is a scam, just be clear! Not a single Republican in leadership talked to us about this or has given us a plan to help Americans deal with their health insurance premiums DOUBLING!!!”
Now, let’s be honest — this trend of Marjorie Taylor Greene calling out Republican leadership is pointing to a bigger problem. What we’re seeing is a slow breakup between the GOP and the loudest voices that helped them build their brand.
According to Rolling Stone, the so-called “manosphere” influencers who boosted Donald Trump in 2024 are now cooling on him. Nine months into his agenda, they’re realizing the slogans don’t match the policies.
Kick streamer Adin Ross told his audience, “Can I tell you guys something? Now that I look back on it, I really really wish I never got into politics.”
Comedian Theo Von, who once gave Trump a friendly platform, found out the Department of Homeland Security used his footage in a deportation promo video recently. He clapped back pretty fast, writing on X:
“Yooo DHS I didn’t approve to be used in this. I know you know my address so send a check. And please take this down and please keep me out of your ‘banger’ deportation videos.”
Then he doubled down: “My father immigrated here from Nicaragua. One of my prized possessions is … his immigration papers from when he came here. I have them in a frame. … This was just f—ked up. It was f–ked up.”
And he’s not alone. Even Joe Rogan — one of the most influential podcasters in the country — slammed Trump’s immigration approach. “This is my feeling, if you got here and you’ve integrated into our society, yea maybe you shouldn’t have snuck in, but you did it and you’re not breaking any laws, those people need a path to citizenship man, because if you don’t then they’re just preyed upon.”
He went on to say, “Like gang members, yes, criminals, yes — this, why?”
And then there’s comedian Andrew Schulz, who voted for Trump in 2024, now saying this: “I voted for none of this. He’s doing the exact opposite of everything I voted for. I want him to stop the wars — he’s funding them. I want him to shrink spending, reduce the budget — he’s increasing it. It’s like everything that he said he’s going to do — except sending immigrants back.”
When your most loyal messengers start fact-checking you in real time, that’s not just dissent — that’s disillusionment.
So whether it’s over Epstein, the deficit, immigration or skyrocketing healthcare costs, Trump and Republican leadership are running out of mirrors to point fingers at. Because sooner or later, the base always realizes what the rest of America already knows: slogans don’t solve problems. Policies do.
Lindsey Granger is a News Nation contributor and co-host of The Hill’s commentary show “Rising.” This column is an edited transcription of her on-air commentary.