A Fox News segment featuring comments from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and an exchange between Tomi Lahren and Rep. Mike Lawler highlighted sharp divisions over Venezuela, President Donald Trump’s record, and broader economic and health care policy.
The discussion followed remarks from Jeffries criticizing the idea that the United States president could improve conditions in Venezuela.
In a video clip aired during the segment, Jeffries questioned the premise that American leadership could positively influence Venezuela’s future, tying the issue to domestic policy disputes.
“To address the Republican health care crisis. So the notion that he’s going to run Venezuela and make life better for the Venezuelan people, of course, is belied by the facts as to what he’s done as president here in the United States of America,” Jeffries said.
Lahren responded by challenging Jeffries’ assessment and pointing to reactions from Venezuelans themselves. Turning to Lawler, she raised the issue of public sentiment in Venezuela and asked for his response.
“Congressman, really interesting, because the Venezuelan people seem to be pretty excited about the possibility of freedom in their country. But what do you make of Hakeem Jeffries there and his assessment?” Lahren asked.
Lawler rejected Jeffries’ criticism and forcefully defended President Trump’s record while condemning Venezuela’s former leadership.
He began by dismissing what he described as Democratic rhetoric surrounding the issue.
“I don’t even know if they hear themselves talk half the time with the stupid things that come out of their mouths. I mean, I’m sorry,” Lawler said.
He then turned directly to Venezuela’s former president.
“Nicolás Maduro was a despot, a dictator, a brutal murderer, a Marxist who has run his country into the ground.”
Lawler cited Venezuela’s economic collapse as evidence of failed leadership.
“Poverty rates have skyrocketed. You want to talk about health care, you want to talk about food insecurity. This is a man who is sitting on oil, who is sitting on minerals, and has destroyed his economy,” he said.
He added that criticism of President Trump in that context was misplaced.
“And they’re criticizing President Trump.”
Lawler contrasted the current economy under President Trump with the prior administration, arguing the difference was significant.
“Look, when you look at Joe Biden’s economy versus President Trump’s economy, it’s night and day,” he said.
He credited Trump-era policies with economic growth.
“The fact is, the economy is growing. We have job creation. Costs are coming down.”
He also pointed to tax policy as a central achievement.
“We delivered the largest tax cut in American history, that when people go to file their taxes this April, they will see significant reduction in their tax burden because of what we have done,” Lawler said.
“The economy is booming, and this year it is going to really prove fruitful with the policies that we’ve enacted.”
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Lawler placed responsibility for health care costs squarely on Democrats and the Affordable Care Act.
“Yes, there are issues to deal with, like health care, but by the way, that is because of Obamacare, because Obamacare has failed to actually reduce health care costs,” he said.
Lawler continued by citing long-term trends since the law’s passage.
“That’s their policy. That is their chief policy that they put in place, that they said would reduce health care costs in America, they have skyrocketed over 15 years by 96% meanwhile, insurance company profits are up 2,000%,” he said.
He concluded by accusing Democrats of avoiding accountability.
“Because Obamacare was written by the insurance companies for the insurance companies, but Democrats never seem to want to be honest about how to deal with these problems,” Lawler said.
“They just want to point the finger, blame President Trump and kick and scream.”
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