'I am very compassionate': Joni Ernst defends her 'we all are going to die' remark
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst defended her controversial statement "we all are going to die," at a town hall meeting and said that "you need to listen to the entire conversation."
Speaking to CBS News on Monday, Ernst said, "I'm very compassionate, and you need to listen to the entire conversation."
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During a heated town hall on Friday, Senator Joni Ernst sparked viral attention with remarks about mortality as she defended a controversial GOP-backed domestic policy bill. The legislation, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill act—a nod to former President Trump's nickname for it—seeks to implement work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients, among other reforms.
Tensions rose when Ernst attempted to explain the proposed changes to Medicaid, prompting someone in the crowd to shout that the policy would lead to deaths.
Ernst elaborated that the legislation would "focus on those that are most vulnerable" and assured that "those that meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid we will protect."
Subsequently, Ernst posted an ironic video apology on Instagram, stating, "I made an incorrect assumption that everyone in the auditorium understood that, yes, we are all going to perish from this Earth. So, I apologize. I'm really, really glad that I did not have to bring up the subject of the Tooth Fairy as well."
Her remarks drew criticism from potential electoral challengers. Democratic nominee candidate Nathan Sage accused Ernst of showing contempt for constituents, whilst State Representative JD Scholten announced his campaign launch, citing Ernst's town hall behaviour as motivation.
The House legislation would implement additional Medicaid restrictions, including requirements for non-disabled adults without children to work, volunteer or study.
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It also introduces more frequent eligibility assessments, reduces funding for states covering undocumented immigrants, freezes provider taxes and prohibits gender transition service coverage.
The proposed modifications to Medicaid and SNAP could generate substantial savings, potentially funding extensions of Trump's 2017 tax cuts and enhanced border security measures.
Ernst acknowledged at the town hall that whilst she supports certain aspects of the House-passed legislation, "the bill will be changing" as it progresses through the Senate, where some Republicans advocate for reduced Medicaid cuts.
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