Rep. Jasmine Crockett agrees during a town hall that Republicans want poor people to die amid Medicaid debate.

Town Hall Sparks Controversy Over Medicaid Rhetoric

Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett stirred controversy on Monday by agreeing with the statement that Republicans want poor people to die. The remark came during a live town hall event hosted by former CNN anchor Jim Acosta, which also featured actress Rosie O'Donnell, CNN analyst and former Capitol police officer Michael Fanone, and former administration official Olivia Troye.

Acosta opened the discussion by expressing shock at comments made by Sen. Joni Ernst during her own recent town hall in Iowa. While defending proposed Medicaid reforms, Ernst had told attendees, “We all are going to die.” Her remark was a response to a protester who had shouted, “People will die!” as she outlined efforts to remove ineligible individuals from Medicaid rolls, including undocumented immigrants and duplicate enrollees.

“I’m thinking to myself, isn’t the point of healthcare to postpone that as long as possible?” Acosta asked, questioning the rationale behind Ernst’s framing. Fanone followed by asserting, “Republicans want poor people to die as quickly as humanly possible,” prompting Crockett to respond, “I agree.” She added, “I don’t think that is a glitch, but that’s actually part of the design.”

The Texas Democrat received a loud ovation from the crowd when she continued, “The idea that you've got someone who has the audacity to say to people that sent her into D.C. to work on their behalf that you're going to die... You’ve decided that you want to be a gravedigger, and I don’t think that is who they elected you to be.”

Sen. Ernst’s office pushed back against the characterization, accusing Democrats of fearmongering. A spokesperson said Ernst is working to strengthen Medicaid by removing fraudulent or ineligible recipients while protecting benefits for those who qualify. “There’s only two certainties in life: death and taxes,” the spokesperson said, “and she’s working to ease the burden of both.”

Crockett's Profile and Past Clashes

Rep. Crockett, seen by some as a rising star within the Democratic Party, is reportedly considering a run to lead the House Oversight Committee, the panel responsible for executive branch accountability. Her name frequently makes headlines for both legislative efforts and public disputes.

Earlier this year, Attorney General Pam Bondi accused Crockett of “threatening lives” over a birthday comment targeting tech mogul Elon Musk, which Crockett later clarified as nonviolent resistance. She also drew criticism after calling Texas Governor Greg Abbott “Governor Hot Wheels,” a reference she later retracted amid backlash.

In January, Rep. Nancy Mace challenged Crockett to a physical fight during a committee hearing after Crockett used the phrase, “child, listen.” Additionally, her 2023 clash with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene went viral after Crockett’s verbal retort inspired her campaign to trademark the phrase “bleach blonde, bad built, butch body.”

The latest controversy underscores the deep partisan divide over healthcare reform and rhetorical tone in Congress. With Medicaid reform and healthcare access on the national agenda, comments like Crockett’s are likely to remain flashpoints in both policy and political debate.