Jasmine Crockett Confronts GOP's Stance at Town Hall: Accuses Republicans of Wanting Poor People to Die

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, made headlines this week after agreeing during a televised town hall that, in her view, "Republicans want poor people to die as quickly as humanly possible." The comment came during a heated discussion on healthcare and Medicaid reform, drawing immediate reactions from both supporters and critics across the political spectrum.

The town hall, moderated by CNN’s Jim Acosta and featuring a high-profile panel including actress Rosie O'Donnell, former Capitol police officer Michael Fanone, and former Trump administration official Olivia Troye, quickly zeroed in on controversial comments made by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, regarding Medicaid cuts. Acosta expressed dismay at Ernst’s remark last week—“We all are going to die”—made in response to concerns that Medicaid reforms could leave vulnerable Americans without coverage. “Isn't the point of healthcare to postpone that as long as possible?” Acosta asked, prompting strong responses from the panel.

Fanone did not mince words, asserting that the Republican approach to healthcare was intentionally harmful to the poor. Crockett immediately concurred, responding, “I agree. I don’t think that is a glitch, but that’s actually part of the design.” The audience responded with cheers as Crockett elaborated: “You’ve decided you want to be a gravedigger, and I don’t think that is who they elected you to be. They elected you to actually breathe life into it.”

Sen. Ernst has stated that the proposed Medicaid reforms would target only those who do not qualify for benefits, such as undocumented immigrants, able-bodied individuals who choose not to work, and duplicate enrollees. However, her remark that “We all are going to die” amidst a rowdy crowd at an Iowa town hall provoked accusations from some that the reforms could cost lives. Ernst’s office pushed back against the criticism, calling it “fearmongering” and insisting the senator was focused on “improving the lives of all Iowans.”

The exchange is the latest in a series of controversies for Rep. Crockett, who has become known for her outspoken style. Earlier this year, she faced backlash for calling Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, “Governor Hot Wheels,” a comment she later retracted after widespread condemnation, calling the controversy a distraction. Additionally, Crockett’s campaign drew national attention after trademarking the phrase "bleach blonde, bad built, butch body" following a dispute with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., during a House hearing.

Crockett remains a rising star within the Democratic Party and is reportedly considering a run to chair the House Oversight Committee, a powerful position with oversight of the executive branch. Her high-profile, sometimes incendiary remarks have both energized portions of the Democratic base and provided ammunition to opponents seeking to portray her rhetoric as divisive.

As debates over Medicaid and healthcare access continue to flare on Capitol Hill, remarks like those aired during the town hall underscore the increasing polarization of American politics. With prominent figures on both sides doubling down on their messages, the stakes remain high for millions of Americans whose lives could be directly affected by healthcare policy decisions.