‘Politician doublespeak’: Republican hammered on comedy show for Medicaid cop out

Adam Nichols

Feb. 23, 2025, 3:21 a.m.

Republican Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY) went on CNN comedy show “Have I Got News For You” Saturday — and found himself in enemy territory.

The frequent supporter of Donald Trump was the recipient of multiple barbs as the panel discussed the president’s first month in office and Elon Musk-led slashing of the government workforce.

But the most vicious came as he danced around committing to voting no if a budget bill comes to the House with plans to cut Medicaid.

The topic came up as show host Roy Wood, Jr. discussed a New York Times report that the spending bill set to come before Congress could include plans to cut $880 billion from the program.

“Even though Trump said that Medicare and Medicaid were safe, he's on Truth Social, encouraging Congress to pass his tax cuts in, quote, one big, beautiful bill," he said.

"But Mike Johnson's new House budget, which will make that possible, calls for around $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid.

“So, Mike, we got you here. Which is it? Is Medicaid safe or is Medicaid going down? Trump or Johnson? Who's your daddy?”

Lawler started by saying, “There are many of us, myself included, who will not cut Medicaid benefits to our constituents. Period.”

But he was less certain when put directly on the spot.

“So when that bill comes to the floor and there's even a dollar in Medicaid cuts, you vote…” said his team captain on the show, Michael Ian Black.

“Well, we're not cutting Medicaid, right?” Lawler replied.

“Right. But I'm saying, but when that bill comes to the floor, if there's even a dollar of Medicaid cuts, you're a no?"

Lawler responded, “On benefits. If you are eliminating any type of fraud or waste or abuse, that's fine. But benefits to beneficiaries? No.”

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Black pointed out that Musk and Trump had claimed all sorts of waste and fraud in cuts so far, without any evidence. He continued pressing: “So when the bill comes and there's a dollar to cuts in Medicaid, you're a no.”

“I will not cut Medicaid benefits. No.”

“Right. so you're a no. If there's even a dollar in cuts to Medicaid. Very good,” Black added.

Clearly frustrated at the refusal to give a straight answer, Black said, “You're giving me politician double speak and it's bulls–t.”

“I’m just saying it’s way more complicated than you want to make it,” Lawler complained.

But Black hit back, “It's not complicated.”

Watch the video below or at this link.