New Delhi, Oct. 7 -- President Donald Trump on Monday (October 6) said he would be open to negotiating a deal with Democrats on Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a central point of contention in the ongoing government shutdown.

"We are speaking with the Democrats," Trump said. "Some very good things could happen, and that could also pertain to health care."

He added: "If we made the right deal, I'd make a deal. Sure."

The subsidies, which help 24 million Americans purchase health insurance, are set to expire at the end of the year. Democrats have made their extension a key demand in negotiations over reopening federal funding.

Trump continued to raise the possibility of widespread federal worker layoffs if the shutdown continues. "...