Even CNN Fact-Checks Jayapal’s False Attack on Trump Over Medicaid [WATCH]

During a live interview on CNN Tuesday, Washington Democrat Rep. Pramila Jayapal falsely claimed that President Donald Trump had called for cuts to Medicaid, prompting immediate correction by CNN host Boris Sanchez.

The exchange took place on “CNN News Central” during a discussion about a Republican-backed spending proposal and its implications for federal entitlement programs.

Jayapal strongly criticized the GOP bill, alleging it would severely impact government programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and the Department of Education.

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The congresswoman also accused President Trump of supporting reductions to those programs, a claim that was quickly addressed by Sanchez.

“This is not a bill that is in any way going to help the American people,” Jayapal said.

“If Republicans wanted to put forward a bill that helps the American people, that actually cuts costs for Americans, that raises taxes so that the rich finally pay their fair share instead of getting giant tax breaks, then, sure, we would be interested in talking about that. But that’s not the bill we have before us, Boris. So I think you can expect a wholesale opposition to cutting Medicaid, Social Security, Medicare, the Department of Education—everything that they are doing.”

CNN host Boris Sanchez pushed back on the claim and clarified what was said by President Trump in the referenced comments.

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“Just to be precise, congresswoman, I believe that in that soundbite Elon Musk was talking about fraud in those entitlement programs being the big ones that they have to tackle. That’s what he said in that soundbite,” Sanchez responded.

“We can go back and find it, and we’ll exchange emails, and you’ll see that what he was talking about specifically in that soundbite that I believe you’re referring to is fraud. And President Trump has said that he will not sign anything that cuts Medicaid, though it is true that the committee that oversees Medicaid has outlined $880 billion in cuts.”

Sanchez also highlighted recent CNN polling that shows 57% of Americans disapprove of Democratic leadership, and he questioned whether Democrats should consider working with Republicans on certain initiatives instead of blocking them entirely.

Jayapal responded by emphasizing the need for Democrats to focus on what she called a “proposition vision.”

“Well, I think it’s a tough time in our country, and I think Democrats do have to come together and show that we have not just an opposition vision, but what I call a proposition vision,” Jayapal said.

“What are we fighting for? Things like big investments in housing, universal child care. These are the things that, had we passed, and we almost did—we passed it in the House—I think we might have won the November election.”

Despite repeated claims by Jayapal and other Democrats that House Republicans are trying to gut Medicaid, no evidence has been presented to support that accusation.

The budget resolution recently passed by House Republicans sets spending targets but does not include specific policy mandates or cuts to Medicaid. Nevertheless, some Democrats, including Jayapal, continue to circulate the claim.

Jayapal previously stated on X, writing, “99% of House Republicans just voted to gut Medicaid so they can lower taxes for the richest 1%. They’re showing you exactly who they’re working for.”

You are literally too stupid to insult, but I’m gonna give it a try anyways!!

The Democrat party proved tonight, but they hate America !!
You voted no on:

No tax on tips.
No tax on overtime.
No tax on Social Security

Exactly how many billionaires does that even help? pic.twitter.com/FJrPUNm0tr

— Runningbear (@RunningBearTx) February 26, 2025

House Republicans have rejected those accusations, noting that the budget resolution does not address Medicaid directly.

When asked by reporters for proof that the resolution included Medicaid cuts, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries did not offer supporting documentation.

Jayapal has previously faced scrutiny for making unsupported claims.

In one congressional hearing, she stated that no unaccompanied migrant children had gone missing, contradicting data from federal records showing Immigration and Customs Enforcement lost track of more than 32,000 children since 2019.

The CNN interview marked a rare moment of on-air pushback against a sitting Democrat from a mainstream outlet, adding to ongoing debate over entitlement programs and fiscal policy heading into the next legislative cycle.

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