President Donald Trump just tossed a political grenade into the Republican camp with a call to bend on a sacred conservative principle.

The ongoing battle to restore expired Affordable Care Act subsidies has hit a wall over abortion funding, and Trump’s unexpected push for flexibility on the Hyde Amendment—barring federal funds for abortions—has ignited a firestorm among GOP lawmakers and activists.

This drama unfolded at the newly christened Trump-Kennedy Center, where the president urged House Republicans to show some wiggle room on Hyde to clinch a bipartisan deal.

Trump’s Bold Call Shakes GOP Unity

“You got to be a little flexible,” Trump insisted, nudging Republicans to use “ingenuity” in negotiations.

That’s a tough pill for a party that’s held the line on Hyde for decades, and it’s no surprise the backlash was swift.

Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, a fierce defender of life, didn’t mince words, declaring, “I’m not flexible on the value of human life,” in a statement to the Washington Examiner.

Hyde Amendment Remains the Sticking Point

If Trump thought this would be a smooth pitch, he’s clearly underestimated the depth of conviction on this issue.

The ACA subsidies, vital tax credits for many Americans, expired on January 1, leaving lawmakers scrambling to address skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs for insurance.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota called the Hyde debate the “most challenging” hurdle, sidestepping any direct take on Trump’s remarks.

Senate Proposals Hit a Wall

Meanwhile, proposals like a two-year subsidy extension with stricter eligibility from Sens. Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Susan Collins of Maine have gone nowhere.

Moreno noted zero GOP appetite to ease abortion restrictions, showing the party’s firm stance.

Democrats argue that enough safeguards already prevent federal abortion funding, accusing Republicans of pushing a sneaky ban, while GOP lawmakers point to loopholes with state funds and insurance surcharges.

Anti-Abortion Groups Warn of Fallout

Anti-abortion heavyweights aren’t taking Trump’s comments lying down, with Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser warning of dire electoral consequences if Hyde is softened.

Trump’s idea of funneling money into health savings accounts rather than propping up insurance giants fell flat with Senate Democrats last month, highlighting the partisan chasm.

Sen. Angus King of Maine, an independent who leans Democratic, offered hope, suggesting Trump’s stance might break the deadlock, giving it even odds for a bipartisan win.