In a fiery on-air showdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson took aim at CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, accusing Democrats of pushing to expand government benefits for illegal immigrants while neglecting struggling American citizens.
During the tense interview, Johnson didn’t mince words:
“They have insisted that they want to give free health care to illegal aliens,” he said. “That is something the American people reject.”
Collins quickly pushed back, interrupting to claim that federal law already blocks most undocumented immigrants from receiving healthcare coverage. But Johnson refused to back down.
“Look at their policy proposals,” he countered. “They’ve demanded that your tax dollars go to people who aren’t even supposed to be in this country.”
The heated exchange perfectly captured the sharp divide over immigration policy — whether American taxpayers should be footing the bill for those who crossed the border illegally.
According to the New York Post, Johnson made similar remarks during another interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, emphasizing that Republicans won’t budge on this issue.
“Democrats are willing to shut the government down over this,” Johnson argued. “They’re putting the interests of illegal aliens ahead of American citizens.”
His comments resonated deeply with conservative audiences, who have long accused Democrats of using immigration as a political weapon. Collins, visibly frustrated, accused Johnson of spreading misinformation, but he remained steadfast.
“We can’t afford it — and Americans know we can’t afford it,” he said.
The moment quickly went viral, with conservative viewers praising Johnson for standing firm against what they see as media bias. Social media lit up with applause for his refusal to back down as Collins tried to pivot the discussion.
Johnson doubled down, reminding viewers that government spending on undocumented immigrants comes at the expense of veterans, seniors, and children.
Even AP News has acknowledged that Democrats in several states have supported expanding healthcare access to undocumented residents — lending some weight to Johnson’s broader argument that Democrats are normalizing benefits for illegal immigrants.
The interview is just one flashpoint in the ongoing political battle over border security. As Republicans push to reverse Biden-era policies, Johnson’s fiery defense of his stance has become a rallying cry among conservatives.
Despite critics calling his claims “false,” Johnson’s allies praised him for dropping “truth bombs” live on CNN.
“We are not going to bend to their demands,” Johnson concluded firmly.
