TRENTON, NJ – The Trump administration sharply criticized President Biden’s immigration and health care policies Friday, citing new figures that show a steep rise in Medicaid spending for undocumented immigrants. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the data represents a “clear and costly consequence” of what she called the administration’s failure to secure the southern border.
The problems at the national level are also threatening healtcare coverage and raising premiums for people in New Jersey where the state’s health marketplace is on the verge of collapse to care for illegal aliens.
Estimates for next year’s healthcare increase could be as much as 30%, according to some studies, in 2026, raising premiums for American citizens while the state continues to subsidize healthcare for illegal aliens.
According to Leavitt, federal Medicaid costs for emergency services provided to undocumented immigrants increased by 142 percent in fiscal year 2024, reaching $9.1 billion — nearly triple the total from the final year of former President Donald Trump’s first term. “That’s $9.1 billion taxpayer dollars going to emergency services for illegals,” she said, referencing data compiled from federal spending reports.
Leavitt also cited statements from hospital administrators and local health officials in Southern California and Denver, who reported severe strain on emergency departments due to rising numbers of migrant patients. Denver Health, she said, recorded 8,000 migrants making 20,000 visits in 2023, resulting in more than $10 million in unpaid medical bills. In California, health care systems reportedly warned that facilities were “being bombarded” and that American patients faced longer wait times.
Leavitt said hospitals across the UC Health system in 2024 reported similar pressure, with emergency room directors describing access as “impeded for everyone.” She added that the administration plans to highlight the figures as part of a broader case for renewed border enforcement and immigration reform measures.
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“This is not speculation — it’s an undisputed fact,” Leavitt said. “Democrats are forcing American taxpayers to foot the bill for illegal immigrants’ health care.”
The statement underscores a renewed effort by the Trump administration to draw contrasts with Biden’s record on border security and spending as the 2024 fiscal data continues to surface.