Vance Calls Out Dems for ‘Sleight of Hand’ Trick on Illegal Alien Healthcare

Vice President J.D. Vance on Tuesday accused Democrats of using deceptive tactics in budget talks, claiming their push to reopen the government is tied to restoring taxpayer-funded health care for undocumented immigrants.

In a video posted to X, Vance said Democrats were misleading the public when insisting the government shutdown had nothing to do with health care for noncitizens. He argued the legislative text shows otherwise.

Vance cited two specific measures. First, he pointed to Biden-era programs that reimbursed hospitals for treating undocumented immigrants, which the Trump administration had ended. He said Democrats want to reinstate these programs at a projected cost of hundreds of billions of dollars.

Second, he highlighted parole programs under Biden that allowed mass entry for undocumented immigrants, making them eligible for taxpayer-funded health benefits—programs Republicans also ended.

Vance framed the dispute as a hostage situation, arguing Democrats are tying government funding, including military pay, to reinstating benefits for illegal immigrants. He urged Democrats to pass a Republican-backed continuing resolution to reopen the government first.

During a CNN interview, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries denied Republican claims, but was pressed on language in the Democratic proposal that restores emergency Medicaid payments and benefits for asylum seekers and those with temporary protected status.

Republicans insist these provisions are clearly written in the Democrats’ funding bill. Critics argue Democrats are exaggerating the urgency, as some programs do not expire until next year. Meanwhile, federal agencies prepare for layoffs, and ICE agents and other officers continue working without pay.