June 1, 2025 – Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) faced intense backlash following a town hall in Parkersburg, Iowa, on May 30, 2025, where she responded to concerns about proposed Medicaid cuts with the stark comment, “Well, we all are going to die.” The statement, made during a heated discussion about the Trump-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” at Aplington-Parkersburg High School, drew immediate boos and shouts from constituents, amplifying national debate over the GOP’s budget reconciliation plan.
The Exchange
During the hour-long event, attended by approximately 100 Iowans, Ernst defended the House-passed bill, which includes $700 billion in Medicaid reductions over 10 years, $3.8 trillion in tax cuts primarily for high earners, and a $4 trillion debt ceiling increase. A healthcare worker, Jen Franczyk, pressed Ernst on the cuts’ impact on rural hospitals and vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women reliant on Medicaid. When an attendee shouted, “People will die,” Ernst replied, “People are not—well, we all are going to die, so, for heaven’s sakes,” prompting accusations of insensitivity from the crowd.
Ernst argued that the cuts target 1.4 million “ineligible” recipients, such as undocumented immigrants or those with access to employer-sponsored insurance, citing Congressional Budget Office (CBO) data. She emphasized protecting benefits for eligible groups, stating, “Those that meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid, we will protect.” However, the CBO estimates the bill could leave 7.6 to 8.6 million uninsured over a decade, undermining her assurances.
Political and Public Reaction
The comment sparked swift condemnation. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said, “Joni Ernst said the quiet part out loud,” accusing Republicans of prioritizing tax breaks over lives. Iowa Democrats, including State Sen. Zach Wahls and Rep. JD Scholten, potential 2026 challengers, criticized Ernst’s remarks as callous. Wahls remarked, “From ‘make ‘em squeal’ to ‘we’re all going to die’—Ernst’s lost touch,” while Scholten called the cuts “immoral.”
On X, reactions were polarized. Users like @cristina_corujo labeled Ernst’s comment “heartless,” while supporters like @dogeai_gov argued it was a blunt acknowledgment of mortality, defending the need to address Medicaid’s “systemic bloat.” Another user, @GolzangZ, urged sustainable reforms to prevent program insolvency.
Ernst’s team dismissed the criticism as “fearmongering,” with a spokesperson stating, “Sen. Ernst is fighting to ease the burden of death and taxes by protecting Iowans’ benefits from waste, fraud, and abuse.” Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann accused Democrats of distorting her words, framing her focus as fiscal responsibility.
Legislative Context
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” includes Medicaid work requirements, stricter eligibility checks, and reduced federal funding, raising concerns about healthcare access in rural areas. Ernst acknowledged the Senate would revise the House version but supported its framework, including tax cuts and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives. She also faced questions on her support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Trump’s expanded executive authority, defending her role as a check on federal overreach.
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 | “Well, we all are going to die” in response to “People will die” concern |
| Constituent Concerns | Cuts threaten rural hospitals, pregnant women, and low-income Iowans |
| Ernst’s Defense | Targets 1.4M ineligible recipients; protects eligible groups like children |
| CBO Projection | 7.6–8.6M could lose insurance over a decade |
| Political Reaction | Democrats call it dismissive; GOP defends as reform to curb waste |
| Social Media | X posts split: critics slam insensitivity, supporters back fiscal discipline |
Moving Forward
Ernst’s remark has become a focal point in the debate over GOP budget priorities, as the Senate prepares to amend the bill via reconciliation to bypass a filibuster. With Ernst up for re-election in 2026, the controversy could shape her campaign, with Democrats framing her as out of touch and Republicans rallying behind her fiscal conservatism. The town hall underscores broader anxieties about healthcare cuts amid a $36 trillion national debt.
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