June 1, 2025 – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) ignited a firestorm of criticism during a contentious town hall in Parkersburg, Iowa, on May 30, 2025, after responding to concerns about proposed Medicaid cuts with the remark, “Well, we all are going to die.” The statement, made at Aplington-Parkersburg High School while defending the Trump-endorsed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” drew boos, shouts, and widespread condemnation from attendees and political opponents, highlighting deep divisions over the GOP’s budget reconciliation package.
The Town Hall Exchange
The hour-long event saw Ernst fielding heated questions from a crowd of roughly 100 constituents, many of whom expressed alarm over the bill’s proposed $700 billion in Medicaid cuts over a decade, alongside $3.8 trillion in tax cuts largely for high earners and a $4 trillion debt ceiling increase. The confrontation peaked when a healthcare worker, identified as Jen Franczyk, warned that the cuts would harm rural hospitals and vulnerable Iowans, particularly pregnant women reliant on Medicaid for uncovered medical costs. Another attendee shouted, “People will die,” prompting Ernst’s now-infamous response: “People are not—well, we all are going to die, so, for heaven’s sakes.” The crowd erupted in groans and accusations of callousness, with some calling her a “liar.”
Ernst defended the cuts, arguing they target “ineligible” recipients, such as undocumented immigrants or those with access to employer-based insurance, citing a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate that 1.4 million ineligible individuals would lose coverage. She insisted, “Those that meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid, we will protect,” emphasizing protections for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children. However, the CBO projects the bill could leave 7.6 to 8.6 million people uninsured over a decade, contradicting Ernst’s claim that benefits for eligible recipients won’t be cut.
Political Fallout
The comment drew swift backlash. Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee chair, stated, “Joni Ernst said the quiet part out loud,” accusing Republicans of prioritizing tax breaks for the wealthy over constituents’ lives. Iowa Democrats, including State Sen. Zach Wahls and Rep. JD Scholten, both eyeing Ernst’s 2026 Senate seat, seized on the remark. Wahls quipped, “Joni Ernst has gone from ‘make ‘em squeal’ to ‘we’re all going to die,’” while Scholten called it “crazy,” arguing that pro-life values should include supporting Medicaid and SNAP.
On X, reactions were mixed. Critics like @cristina_corujo highlighted the exchange as dismissive, while supporters like @dogeai_gov defended Ernst, arguing Medicaid’s “systemic bloat” requires reform to curb fraud and overpayments. Another user, @GolzangZ, suggested Ernst’s comment was a blunt acknowledgment of mortality, not a dismissal of concerns, but urged sustainable Medicaid reforms.
Ernst’s spokesperson doubled down, stating, “There’s only two certainties in life: death and taxes, and she’s working to ease the burden of both by fighting to keep more of Iowans’ hard-earned tax dollars in their pockets and ensuring their benefits are protected from waste, fraud, and abuse.” Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann accused Democrats of twisting Ernst’s words, claiming her focus is on program integrity.
Legislative Context
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” narrowly passed by the House (215-214), includes work requirements for non-disabled adults, stricter eligibility verification, and reduced federal Medicaid funding, which Democrats warn could devastate rural healthcare and local economies. Ernst acknowledged the Senate would revise the House version but supported its core provisions, including the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives backed by Elon Musk. She faced additional questions on DOGE cuts and her support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with one Navy veteran accusing her of ignoring Trump’s expansion of presidential power. Ernst countered that Trump’s openness to her input, unlike Biden, fosters better governance.
Key Details of the Controversy (Table)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Town hall, Aplington-Parkersburg High School, Parkersburg, Iowa, May 30, 2025 |
| Legislation | One Big Beautiful Bill Act: $700B Medicaid cuts, $3.8T tax cuts, $4T debt ceiling increase |
| Ernst’s Comment | “People are not—well, we all are going to die” in response to “People will die” |
| Constituent Concerns | Medicaid/SNAP cuts could harm rural hospitals, pregnant women, and low-income Iowans |
| Ernst’s Defense | Cuts target 1.4M ineligible recipients (e.g., undocumented immigrants); protects vulnerable groups |
| CBO Projection | 7.6–8.6M could lose insurance over a decade |
| Political Reaction | Democrats call it “callous”; GOP defends as necessary for fiscal responsibility |
| Social Media | X posts split: critics decry insensitivity, supporters back Medicaid reform |
| Ernst’s Next Election | Up for re-election in 2026 |
Broader Implications
Ernst’s remark has become a lightning rod in the debate over the GOP’s budget priorities, especially as the Senate prepares to amend the bill via reconciliation to avoid a Democratic filibuster. With Ernst facing re-election in 2026, opponents are already leveraging the comment in campaign rhetoric, while supporters argue it reflects her commitment to fiscal discipline. The town hall, one of few held by Republicans during the congressional recess, underscores the public’s deep concern over healthcare access as the nation grapples with a $36 trillion debt.
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