BROOKE ROLLINS Proposed Replacing Migrant Workers With People on Medicaid

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has sparked major controversy after proposing that able-bodied Medicaid recipients should replace migrant farmworkers in the U.S. agricultural sector. During a press briefing, Rollins argued that with over 34 million adults on Medicaid, there are "abundant workers available" to fill jobs left vacant by mass deportations of undocumented laborers. She also pointed to automation and new work requirements for Medicaid as part of the administration’s plan for a "100% American workforce" in farming.

The proposal has drawn fierce criticism from farmers, health experts, and civil rights groups, who say it’s unrealistic and would disproportionately harm low-income Americans. Many point out that most Medicaid recipients are already working, caring for family, or unable to work due to health issues. The announcement has ignited a firestorm across social media, with many calling the plan out of touch and unworkable.

Watch this video for a breakdown of Rollins’ comments, reactions from the farming community, and what this means for the future of American agriculture.