WNBA star Natasha Cloud has found herself at the center of a social media controversy after making unsubstantiated claims about the funding of Israeli healthcare and the U.S. government shutdown. Cloud, a player for the New York Liberty, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that American taxpayers are funding free healthcare for Israeli citizens, while also tying the current government shutdown to Republican actions. Her post sparked widespread criticism and calls for fact-checking, as Israel has its own universal healthcare system funded by national income taxes and an income-related health tax, with only limited U.S. aid flowing through military support and targeted grants for medical equipment.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate appears to be in a deadlock over the ongoing government shutdown. Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have blocked a Republican-led effort to reopen the government, using the healthcare issue as a negotiating tool. The situation has intensified as pressure from the White House mounting, with concerns about furloughed workers possibly losing pay. This standoff underscores the deepening political rifts, particularly around healthcare policy, with Democrats leveraging the Affordable Care Act as a bargaining chip.
Cloud’s recent remarks are part of a broader pattern of controversy surrounding her social media presence. Last month, she made controversial statements following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the arrest of the alleged suspect, Tyler Robinson. Cloud initially made racially charged comments, which have since been deleted or retracted, and has continued to face backlash for her politically charged posts. She has also been vocal in her support for socialist candidates and critical of Republican policies, including those of former President Donald Trump.
Her comments on the Israel-U.S. relationship, particularly regarding healthcare funding, have drawn sharp responses from experts and critics, who note the inaccuracies in her claims. The incident has reignited debates about the role of athletes in public discourse and the responsibility of public figures to ensure their statements are factually sound. As the government shutdown continues, Cloud’s situation remains a focal point for discussions on media responsibility and political polarization.