Donald Trump demands Republicans defend his record on healthcare as he claims he does have a plan to protect pre-existing conditions as Democrats make Obamacare center of SCOTUS hearing

President Donald Trump is instructing Republicans to defend his record on healthcare amid a coordinated Democratic assault during Supreme Court confirmation hearings - and promising a superior health plan in the future. 

Trump put out the message while live-tweeting Monday's confirmation hearing for Judge Amy Coney Barrett – who Democrat after Democrat predicted would vote to strike down the Affordable Care Act days after confirmation if her nomination were allowed to go through.

'Republicans must state loudly and clearly that WE are going to provide much better Healthcare at a much lower cost. Get the word out! Will always protect pre-existing conditions!!!' Trump wrote.

President Donald Trump is demanding Republicans 'loudly and clearly' defend their joint record on healthcare, after Democrats used the start Supreme Court confirmation hearings to attack his administration for seeking to repeal the Affordable Care Act

The president engaged after Democrats pointed out the numerous times Republicans in Congress voted to repeal Obamacare. The Trump administration is before the Supreme Court, and will argue in favor of striking down the health law in a case set for arguments November 10, just days after the elections. 

'We will have Healthcare which is FAR BETTER than ObamaCare, at a FAR LOWER COST - BIG PREMIUM REDUCTION. PEOPLE WITH PRE EXISTING CONDITIONS WILL BE PROTECTED AT AN EVEN HIGHER LEVEL THAN NOW. HIGHLY UNPOPULAR AND UNFAIR INDIVIDUAL MANDATE ALREADY TERMINATED. YOU’RE WELCOME!' Trump tweeted.

While Trump has signed an executive order and pledged to protect those with preexisting conditions, the ACA was signed by the president and enacted by Congress. It has the force of law.

Democrats used Judge Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation hearings to attack the Trump administration for seeking to strike down the Affordable Care Act

President Donald Trump walks without a mask and carries an umbrella as he departs for travel to Florida, his first campaign trip since being treated for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), from the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, U.S., October 12, 2020

President Donald Trump walks along the Colonnade with Judge Amy Coney Barrett after a news conference to announce Barrett as his nominee to the Supreme Court, in the Rose Garden at the White House, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Washington

Its protections, including requirements that insurance plans provide coverage for those with preexisting conditions, would go away if the court were to strike down the law in its entirety. 

Trump has yet to produce comprehensive plan despite saying for months he would do so. In September he issued an order stating it is the 'policy' of the U.S. to protect people with preexisting conditions – while the ACA already provides the protections.

'The president has promised to appoint justices who will vote to dismantle that law,' said Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California. 

'Health-care coverage for millions of Americans is at stake in this nomination,' she said.   

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island pointed to the perilous undercurrent of the hearings: two panel members had tested positive for COVID-19, and panel chair Sen. Lindsey Graham has declined to take a coronavirus test after attending the White House event where numerous attendees later tested positive. 

'The whole thing just like Trump, is an irresponsible botch. The irony is that this slapdash hearing targets the Affordable Care Act,' Whitehouse said.

'Please don't tell us this isn't about the Affordable Care Act,' he intoned. 

Each Democratic speaker raised concerns that once Barrett wins confirmation, she will immediately rule against the Affordable Care Act, the crowning achievement of President Obama's administration, with the Supreme Court set to hear a case which could lead to it being struck down on November 10.