Democrats 'Seem to Think That Poor People Are Stupid,' Scott Bessent Tells CNN Scold Dana Bash

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday and proceeded to destroy every one of host Dana Bash’s narratives on the effects of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and its provisions on Medicaid.

Bash tried to paint the new work requirements for Medicaid as too “cumbersome” for people, and that many would be thrown off the program because they just couldn’t be expected to be able to figure out how to show proof of work.

Bessent shot back, arguing that belittling the American people was not a good argument:

🚨NEW: Scott Bessent TORCHES Dems who oppose Medicaid work requirements in BBB🚨

"The Republicans are not the most vocal on this. It is a group of Democrats who, unfortunately, seem to think that poor people are stupid."

"I don't think poor people are stupid. I think they have… pic.twitter.com/jGC7K2B4uD
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) July 6, 2025

I don't think poor people are stupid. I think they have agency. And I think to have them register twice a year for these benefits is not a burden.
But these people who want to infantilize the poor and those who need these Medicaid benefits are alarmists.

Then Bash tried to say that the bill would cause changes to people’s benefits. Bessent shot that one down too:

.@SecScottBessent on the common sense work requirements for able-bodied Americans to get Medicaid:

"There are no change in benefits. There's a change in requirements to get the benefits... we have already seen working class wages move up. We are creating jobs. People can get… pic.twitter.com/2Rfd278DBV
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 6, 2025

Bessent:

No, there are no change in benefits.
There’s a change in requirements to get the benefits. And what we are doing, we are bringing back manufacturing jobs. We are bringing back working-class jobs by securing the border. We have seen, already seen working class wages move up. So we are creating jobs. People can get off Medicaid and get a job that has good health care benefits.

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Bessent also reminded Bash that Democrats used to be for work requirements before they were against them:

.@SecScottBessent reminds @DanaBashCNN that Medicaid work requirements were "very popular under Bill Clinton... popular under President Obama."

"Work requirements even poll well with the median Democratic voter." pic.twitter.com/WdZxQtZu43
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 6, 2025

Remember this?

Here is Bill Clinton, Joe Biden and Hilary Clinton all passionately advocating for social program reforms and work requirements. Saying these programs are not a permanent solution and those that are able MUST go to work.

What happened to this party? What happened to these… pic.twitter.com/qxBurSnznU
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) May 4, 2025

I wonder if mainstream media morning show hosts are getting tired yet of calling in Trump administration officials week after week and having them shred their arguments and make them look like fools on live national television? It can’t be fun.

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