Barack Obama calls Donald Trump's efforts to repeal Obamacare 'aggravating'
'It's certainly frustrating to have to mobilise every couple of months to keep our leaders from inflicting real human suffering on our constituents'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Barack Obama has called Donald Trump's repeated efforts to repeal Obamacare "aggravating."
Speaking at a summit hosted by billionaires Bill and Melinda Gates to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly, the former US President urged people not to be discouraged by unsteady progress as they work on pressing global issues.
He said the real problems facing the world "can't discourage any of us from the belief that individually and collectively, we can make a difference."
He spoke about some of his own frustrations after leaving office, including the battle over the Affordable Care Act.
The US President and Republican leaders in the US Senate are again pushing to repeal central elements of the law after repeated failures, with a vote possible next week.
"When I see people trying to undo that hard-won progress for the 50th or 60th time with bills that would raise costs or reduce coverage... it is aggravating," Mr Obama said.
"It's certainly frustrating to have to mobilise every couple of months to keep our leaders from inflicting real human suffering on our constituents."
Opponents of Mr Obama's health law to expand coverage for more Americans have criticised it as being costly and ineffective, arguing people shouldn't be forced to buy health insurance.
Discussing climate change, Mr Obama said the federal government wasn't "as engaged in these efforts as I would like."
Mr Trump has said he will pull out of the Paris climate change accord, an agreement the Obama administration worked with other countries to fashion.
But the response to setbacks, Mr Obama said, had to be "to reject cynicism and reject pessimism and push forward."
He said: "Rather than be daunted by those challenges, those challenges should inspire us and excite us because it gives us an opportunity to make our mark on the world."
Additional reporting by agencies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments