Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst was criticized after she shared an "apology" video on Instagram that shows her walking through a cemetery after going viral for dismissing constituents' worries about cuts to Medicaid and food benefits by telling them that "we all are going to die."
At a tense town hall meeting in Butler, Iowa, on Friday, Ernst defended the Republican-backed budget reconciliation package as frustrated constituents voiced concerns—particularly over its proposed changes to Medicaid.
The budget plan, recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, calls for an $880 billion reduction to the Department of Health and Human Services over the next decade. That figure includes significant cuts to Medicaid, the nation’s largest public health insurance program. The bill also proposes implementing work requirements for certain beneficiaries.
Critics argue the plan could gut the Medicaid system, potentially forcing millions of low-income Americans off coverage and reducing access to essential care.
And when someone in the crowd said the cuts would cause people to die, Ernst responded:
"Well, we all are going to die."
You can hear what she said in the video below.
Ernst's remarks were so horrifying that the Des Moines Register featured her words on the cover of their May 31 edition.
Instead of offering an apology, Ernst doubled down on her stance Saturday, posting an Instagram video that appeared to be filmed in a graveyard that made light of the backlash, reaffirming her support for the budget reforms.
She said:
"Hello everyone, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize for a statement I made yesterday at my town hall. I was in the process of answering a question that had been asked by an audience member when a woman who was extremely distraught screamed out from the back corner of the auditorium, 'People are going to die.'"
“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, and I’m really, really glad that I did not have to bring up the subject of the tooth fairy as well.”
"For those that would like to see eternal and everlasting life, I encourage you to embrace my Lord and savior Jesus Christ.”
You can hear what she said in the video below.
People were stunned by Ernst's callousness.
Senate Republicans have acknowledged that the House-passed budget reconciliation bill will face substantial revisions, particularly regarding its Medicaid provisions.
Several GOP senators are already pushing for changes, aware of the potential political and human cost. In Iowa, where approximately one in five residents depend on Medicaid—including about half of all nursing home residents—the proposed cuts have raised serious concerns.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin sharply criticized Ernst in response, accusing her of “saying the quiet part out loud.” He claimed the GOP’s priorities reveal a disregard for the wellbeing of their own constituents, stating, “They don’t care whether their own constituents live or die as long as the richest few get richer.”
@LauraLoomer/X
