(America First Report)—White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt laid bare the Democrats’ shifting stories on the ongoing government shutdown, using their own words and actions to reveal inconsistencies in their stance on providing health care benefits to illegal immigrants. Democrats have repeatedly tried to pin the blame for the funding lapse on President Trump and Republicans, insisting they have no intention of extending taxpayer-funded health care to those in the country illegally. Yet, as Leavitt demonstrated during a press briefing, video evidence and past statements tell a different story.
One clip shared by Leavitt shows several Democrats, including prominent figures like Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker, raising their hands in support when asked if they favor including illegal immigrants in government health care plans. This moment, captured during a 2019 Democratic primary debate, exposes the party’s long-standing push for such policies, despite current denials amid poor polling on immigration issues.
NBC: “Raise your hand if your government plan would provide coverage for [illegal aliens].”
Democrats: *all raise their hands* pic.twitter.com/OOX5JCb0VV
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) October 2, 2025
Elaborating on this, Leavitt argued that Democrats’ refusal to back a clean funding bill without these provisions has directly led to the shutdown, forcing unnecessary hardship on American families while prioritizing non-citizens.
Leavitt didn’t stop there. She confronted a reporter who claimed it’s against the law for illegal immigrants to receive these benefits. In a pointed exchange, the reporter asserted, “It’s against the law for illegals to get these benefits!”
Leavitt fired back: “Let me ask YOU – do you think illegal aliens should get Medicaid benefits?! That were DESIGNED to help low-income families and Americans? What the Biden admin did is allow tens of MILLIONS of illegals…they paroled them into the system, you cover immigration, and you know WELL it was a complete ABUSE of the system. They slapped a bandaid, called it ‘temporary,’ and allowed illegals to get FREE BENEFITS. You know who’d like free benefits? Hardworking Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck due to the Biden-induced inflation crisis!”
This response from Leavitt points to a core problem: the Biden administration’s expansive use of parole authority, which allowed millions of migrants to enter the U.S. and access programs like Medicaid under temporary statuses. According to a White House fact sheet, this approach has ballooned costs, with estimates suggesting nearly $200 billion could be spent on health care for illegal immigrants and others if Democrats’ proposals prevail. Leavitt’s question flips the script, forcing attention back to the original purpose of these programs—aid for struggling American citizens, not a backdoor for funding benefits to those who entered the country unlawfully. Her mention of the inflation crisis ties into broader economic strains, where families are squeezed by rising prices, making the diversion of resources even more galling.
Senator Ted Cruz echoed Leavitt’s takedown, sharing the same debate clip and noting how Democrats are now scrambling to distance themselves from positions they once proudly endorsed. Cruz’s post on X reinforces the narrative that this shutdown—dubbed the “Schumer Shutdown” by Republicans—is entirely on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his party for blocking funding extensions unless their demands are met.
When the media is gaslighting you, remember this ? https://t.co/NJE0gIq0Ww
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) October 2, 2025
Beyond the briefing room, other Republicans have piled on with similar criticisms. Congressman Pete Stauber released a statement blasting Democrats for prioritizing health care for illegal immigrants over rural American citizens, calling it a sign of how disconnected the party has become. In Florida, Congressman Jimmy Patronis accused Schumer of supporting resolutions that would funnel benefits to non-citizens at the expense of the military and veterans. These voices align with Leavitt’s broader point: Democrats’ insistence on embedding these provisions in funding bills has halted government operations, affecting everything from national parks to federal paychecks.
Social media has amplified the debate, with users and lawmakers alike labeling it the “Schumer Shutdown.” For instance, Senator Tom Cotton posted on X that Schumer is pushing for a shutdown to appease his radical base, making it clear that any prolonged disruption falls squarely on Democrats. Other posts, including memes and direct responses to Democratic leaders like Ted Lieu and Pete Buttigieg, counter their blame-shifting by reiterating the role of Senate Democrats in obstructing a bipartisan path forward.
While some media outlets and fact-checkers, such as NBC News and Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families, have labeled Republican claims as misleading—arguing that federal law bars undocumented immigrants from benefits and that the dispute centers on extending programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) without cuts—these defenses overlook the practical effects of parole policies and expanded eligibility under Biden. Leavitt’s video and quotes cut through the spin, showing Democrats’ hand-raising support for inclusive health care as evidence of their true priorities.
As the shutdown drags on, Leavitt’s dismantling of the Democratic narrative serves as a reminder of the stakes. With polls showing Americans increasingly frustrated with immigration policies, Republicans are betting that exposing these contradictions will pressure Democrats to relent. Until then, the focus remains on who benefits from taxpayer dollars—and who gets left behind.
