GOP fires back at DNC's 'political stunt' targeting 'vulnerable' Republicans over Medicaid fight

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is launching a month of action to "Fight to Save Medicaid," targeting four "vulnerable" House Republicans, who Democrats claim are "poised to gut Medicaid and other critical programs."

Republicans quickly fired back in statements to Fox News Digital on Friday.

"The dishonest Democrats should rename their campaign ‘the fight to save taxpayer-funded welfare benefits for illegal immigrants’ because that’s what they’re really trying to do," Rep. Mike Lawler's director of communications, Ciro Riccardi, told Fox News Digital.

"This is a desperate political stunt, plain and simple. The truth is that Congressman Lawler has been very clear on this: he will vote to protect and strengthen Medicaid for those who rely on this critical program."

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The DNC's multipronged pressure campaign, including digital, local and direct action, will target Republican Reps. Lawler of New York, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Don Bacon of Nebraska and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. The DNC is advising voters to post "accountability content" on social media, host "People's Town Halls" in the Republicans' congressional districts, and call or email their representatives to "make their outrage known."

DNC Chair Ken Martin said the four Congressional Republicans will "seal their political fate if they go along with Trump’s disastrous budget."

"To ensure these Republicans understand that it’s either their vote or their job, the DNC is launching its first-ever distributed organizing program to offer voters a platform to join Democrats in taking direct action — from hosting town halls to mobilizing their personal networks — against the GOP’s budget, while building grassroots power for critical elections still ahead. Our representatives must serve the people — not ignore them. Republicans will either learn that lesson now or at the ballot box," Martin said.

TRUMP SAYS PUBLIC ENTITLEMENTS LIKE SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICAID WON'T BE TOUCHED IN GOP BUDGET BILL

While Democrats have railed against potential cuts to Medicaid since President Donald Trump was elected in November, the White House has maintained that public entitlements, including Social Security and Medicaid, will not be cut in the Republicans' budget bill.

"All national Democrats have are pathetic lies and fear-mongering tactics to distract from their failures. They were already forced to take down their dishonest Medicaid ads across the country because Americans know they’re full of crap, and voters aren't going to buy their latest publicity stunt," National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) Spokesman Mike Marinella told Fox News Digital in a response to the DNC's new pressure campaign.

Last month, Democrats were forced to take down six billboards targeting Republican Reps. Gabe Evans, Don Bacon, Ryan Mackenzie, Monica De La Cruz, Jen Kiggans and Rob Wittman, as reported by the Washington Examiner, after the NRCC sent a cease and desist letter to Lamar Advertising Company, accusing the vendor of spreading "defamatory messages."

"What DC Democrats are saying when it comes to Medicaid is they oppose having work requirements for able-bodied adults without children, annual audits to ensure only eligible individuals receive benefits, and ensuring that only people who are here legally should qualify," Bacon told Fox News Digital in a statement. "The methods our group of 12 Republicans has identified to improve Medicaid are not controversial or cutting the quality of healthcare. We're protecting our children and those most vulnerable. Last time the DNC targeted me on this issue, the billboard companies pulled their ads for false information."

While Bacon blamed the DNC for the billboards, the DNC was not affiliated with that ad campaign. House Majority Forward, a Super PAC focused on electing House Democrats, launched the billboard campaign.

Despite Republicans' assurances that Medicaid services will be protected, there is debate among the party about how to slash wasteful spending within the program. Those discussions come as Republicans seek to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts and deliver Trump's "big, beautiful bill," which includes no taxes on tips and Social Security.

But Democrats are warning "vulnerable" House Republicans that Medicaid cuts are a losing issue, and their new campaign will not just hold Republicans accountable but help them win back a Democratic majority in 2026.

"House Republicans have lost the trust of the American people and are on track to lose in the midterms because of their record of broken promises. They’ve consistently sold out their own constituents to please their billionaire backers, even when it means supporting catastrophic cuts to health care access," Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chair Suzan DelBene said.

The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.