Trump ‘disappointed, a little surprised’ by stinging health care defeat

US President Donald Trump declared himself “disappointed” and a “little surprised” by a stinging health care defeat on Friday, which called his much-vaunted deal making skills into question.

US President Donald Trump declared himself “disappointed” and a “little surprised” by a stinging health care defeat on Friday, which called his much-vaunted deal making skills into question.

US President Donald Trump talks to journalists at the Oval Office of the White House after the AHCA health care bill was pulled before a vote in Washington. (REUTERS)

In an Oval Office statement, a notably restrained Trump said his first major legislative proposal was a “very very good” text that fell by a “very tight margin,” amid splits in the Republican majority.

The businessman-turned-president who spent decades touting his skills as a negotiator said making legislation was an “interesting experience” and blamed Democrats for not coming together.

He predicted that the existing system -- Barack Obama’s signature health reform -- would “cease to exist” and vowed to swiftly move on to focusing on tax reform.