Kennedy Fact-Checks Tarlov on Medi-Cal Spending on Illegals in Commiefornia

Fox’s Kennedy pushed back on Democratic strategist Jessica Tarlov Friday on “The Five,” highlighting how federal funds are partly going to illegal immigrants.

Ahead of the government shutdown that began early Wednesday, Republicans criticized Democrats for trying to fund healthcare for illegal migrants in their proposed continuing resolution, while some Democrats denied the claims. During the discussion, Tarlov denied Democrats were funding healthcare for illegal aliens, prompting Kennedy to point to California.

“I’m sorry to say it, but both parties are to blame. We got here because the more money you get from taxpayers, the more control you have over the government. Government is too big. I think there are many things that might go away that honestly we won’t really miss,” Kennedy said.

“But it is a disingenuous argument to say that the Medi-Cal spending in the state of California is only state spending for illegal aliens, because that is one of the states where Governor Newsom decided that it would be a great idea to just start writing checks to people who were here illegally. That is Medi-Cal. It was extended to illegal immigrants,” Kennedy added. “So [Democrat Rep.] Mark Pocan, who is a representative from Wisconsin, said that’s not a federal issue. The federal government isn’t funding that. Actually, the federal government does, because Medi-Cal is funded by Medicaid.”

Despite Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer denying that Democrats are trying to fund healthcare for illegal immigrants, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has repeatedly cited specific text supporting his party’s claims in multiple interviews.

Read More: https://dailycallernewsfoundation.org/2025/10/03/kennedy-fact-checks-tarlov-on-medi-cal-spending-on-illegals-in-california/