House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) ignited controversy Sunday by claiming that people “will literally die” if President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill becomes law. The sweeping legislation, which passed the House and now awaits Senate review, includes reforms to Medicaid and other federal programs.
“It would strip away health care from approximately 14 million Americans,” Jeffries said during a CNN interview. “Hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down, and people will literally die.”
The White House swiftly pushed back. “Hakeem Jeffries says ‘PEOPLE WILL LITERALLY DIE’ if the One Big Beautiful Bill becomes law,” the administration’s Rapid Response account posted. “Of course, everything he says is a complete lie because the bill PROTECTS health care for American citizens.”
The bill proposes significant changes to Medicaid, including work requirements for able-bodied adults and measures to reduce fraud. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) defended the reforms, stating, “We’re not cutting Medicaid. What we’re doing is strengthening the program.” He emphasized efforts to “reduce fraud, waste, and abuse that is rampant in Medicaid” to ensure it remains available for the most vulnerable.
Despite assurances, critics argue the bill could lead to coverage losses. A Congressional Budget Office report estimates that about 8 million people may lose Medicaid access under the proposed changes.
Jeffries also addressed internal Democratic challenges, responding to a CNN poll indicating only 16% of Americans believe his party has strong leaders. “Understandably, there’s real frustration amongst the American people. They should be frustrated,” he said, citing high housing and childcare costs.
