Leigh McGowan says US should focus on healthcare not 'bombing another country' amid Iran war
McGowan: You're saying 46 Americans died, so we should attack this country. Here at home, 68,000 Americans die a year because they don't have health insurance. So, if we're going to spend billions of dollars on something, would it not make more sense to save American lives, to… pic.twitter.com/FDtx0wM2qj
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 14, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: Podcast host and TikToker Leigh McGowan questioned the United States’ war on Iran, arguing that the Trump administration should focus more on funding health care and addressing the health crisis at home.
Her remarks came as officials estimated during a congressional briefing that the first six days of the conflict had already cost the US at least $11.3 billion. The operation began on February 28 and targeted Iran’s military and political establishment amid growing concerns about its nuclear enrichment program.
Leigh McGowan clashes over war spending and American lives
McGowan clashed with CNN panelist and journalist Brad Todd on Friday, March 13, during a debate about the Iran war and its justification. Todd said, “I mean… 46 Americans killed in Israel on October 7, did they pay for it? They paid for it, they paid for Iran. There are 46 Americans there, there were 8 taken into captivity. They paid for the American politicians' tolerance of Iran’s.”
McGowan interjected, responding to the repeated references to American deaths: “Can I ask you, this is the second time you've talked about Americans dying?”
She continued, “You just said 68 Americans. 46 Americans died on October 7. But here's the thing, we're spending, what is it now, $3 billion a day… Are you putting a price on those 46 lives? Here's what I'm going to say, so let me finish what I'm going to say.”
McGowan added that she was not placing a price on American lives: “Obviously, I'm not putting a price on those Americans' heads. What I'm saying is, you're saying 46 Americans died so we should attack this country because they're a te*ror organization and we need to come and get them.”
She then compared war spending with domestic issues: “I could tell you, here at home, 68,000 Americans die a year because they don't have health insurance. So if we're going to spend billions of dollars on something, would it not make more sense to save American lives, to spend it here on health care, than bombing another country.”
McGowan concluded, “But what I'm saying is, if you're going to start saying American lives are specific, 47 people died and this is worth going to war for, I would say 68,000 people die a year here and that's worth investigating.”
Trump administration faces scrutiny over war costs and political fallout
The administration has not provided a public assessment of the total cost or how long the conflict is expected to last. President Donald Trump said during a trip to Kentucky on Wednesday that “we won” the war but added that the United States would remain in the fight to "finish the job."
Administration officials told lawmakers that $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used during the first two days of strikes. Several congressional aides expect the White House to soon submit a request to Congress for additional funding. Some officials said the request could reach $50 billion, though others believe that estimate may be too low.
Members of Congress have expressed concern that the conflict could deplete US military stockpiles at a time when the defense industry is already struggling to keep up with demand. Trump also met executives from seven defense contractors last week as the Pentagon worked to replenish supplies.
Democrats have linked the cost of the conflict to domestic spending debates. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “They said the first week of the war cost $11 billion. We could fix a lot of health care with that 11 billion.”
Democrats are highlighting the cost of the war as they look ahead to the midterm elections, arguing that it contradicts Trump’s campaign promise to put America first. The GOP currently holds a three-seat majority in the House and a 53–47 advantage in the Senate.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Republicans could fund the Iran war but “can’t find a dime to make it more affordable for the American people to go see a doctor when they need one.” He added that they also “can’t find a dime to make it easier for Americans who are working hard to purchase their first home.”
