1 month ago
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Social media users suggested Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) accidentally confirmed what Republicans have been keen to downplay: that their proposed budget bill will mean significant cuts to Medicaid.
During a Fox News interview with Will Cain, Smith, the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, briefly let slip a phrase that critics said gave away the GOP game.
Smith listed sticking points holding up the passage of the bill, such as the issue of the federal deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) and the repeal of green credits.
Then he added, “And then you can look at Medicaid cuts…”
He immediately backtracked, quickly correcting himself: “Medicaid reforms, I should say.”
See here:
The moment didn’t go unnoticed online, with commenters calling it a “Freudian slip” and more:
Oops indeed. For Republicans reforms = cuts.
— The most roguish of heels. (@Rogue_Heel) May 15, 2025He said the quiet part out loud.
— SharonS (@dancemom128) May 15, 2025Saying the quiet part out loud is completely on brand for these guys
— Jay (@JayyyLew) May 15, 2025You know what this is? Death by 1000 reforms.
— StageIVTesla.com (@StageIVTesla) May 15, 202520 Years Of Free Journalism
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The GOP = Freudian Slip party.
— SC Social Democrat 🇺🇦🇹🇼🎗️ (@SCProgDem) May 15, 2025Rep Smith saying the quiet part out loud on Fox. No need to try to sugar coat it anymore. We all know Republicans are destroying Medicaid.
— Live On The Chat (@LiveOnTheChat) May 15, 2025Medicaid 'reforms' = cuts, but calling it 'reforms' sounds nicer.
— FortKnox (@FortKnoxCrypto) May 15, 2025
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