Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) delivered a powerful dose of common sense during his appearance on Meet the Press, calling out the rampant abuse of Medicaid and demanding much-needed reforms. In a fiery exchange with host Kristin Welker, Mullin dismantled the left’s narrative that work requirements for able-bodied adults are somehow “cruel” or “unfair.”
*“What is so hard about requiring an able-body individual with no dependents, no sickness, to work 20 hours a week?”* Mullin challenged. “I know you work more than 20 hours this weekend alone. What is so hard about having a work requirement there with someone that has no medical condition and no dependents?”
The Oklahoma senator didn’t hold back, exposing how the welfare state has been exploited by those who refuse to contribute to society. “We don’t pay people in this country to be lazy. We want to give them an opportunity,” he declared. “When they’re going through a hard time, we want to give them a help in hand. That’s what Medicaid was designed for, and it’s unfortunately, it’s been abused.”
Mullin’s remarks highlight the conservative push to restore Medicaid to its original purpose—helping the truly vulnerable, not subsidizing dependency. The Economic Policy Innovation Center has repeatedly warned that the program, meant to assist society’s most disadvantaged, is instead funneling taxpayer dollars to working-age adults, including illegal immigrants. This is an outrageous betrayal of American workers who foot the bill.
While the liberal media paints work requirements as “heartless,” the truth is that they empower individuals to regain self-sufficiency. President Donald Trump has long championed welfare reform, understanding that endless handouts only trap people in poverty. His administration implemented policies to ensure that Medicaid serves those who genuinely need it—not those who simply refuse to work.
The left’s resistance to common-sense reforms reveals their true agenda: keeping Americans dependent on big government. They’d rather exploit struggling families for votes than offer real solutions. Meanwhile, conservatives like Mullin and President Trump are fighting to preserve Medicaid for future generations by eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse.
“So what we are focused on is making sure that Medicaid is there for people in the future that need it and get rid of the fraud, waste, and abuse,” Mullin concluded.
Watch the Full Exchange:
Markwayne Mullin to Kristen Welker on work requirements: "What is so hard about requiring an able-bodied individual with no dependents, no sickness, work work 20 hours a week? I know you worked more than 20 hours this weekend alone … we don't pay people in this country to be… pic.twitter.com/DIyj2dGHaG
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 29, 2025
(Transcript Excerpt)
Kristin Welker: “Senator, critics say work requirements punish the poor. Your response?”
Sen. Mullin: *”What’s so hard about asking able-bodied people to work 20 hours? Medicaid wasn’t meant to fund laziness.”*
The liberal media won’t tell you this, but President Trump’s policies have lifted millions out of poverty by promoting work over welfare. While Democrats push open borders and unlimited handouts, Trump and Republicans are ensuring that American tax dollars help Americans first.
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
