Sen. Joni Ernst Defends Proposed Medicaid Cuts Amid Heated Town Hall Debate

Ernst Defends Medicaid Cuts at Fiery Iowa Town Hall

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) encountered heated opposition during her recent town hall, where she defended proposed Medicaid changes included in the House’s budget bill. Critics voiced concerns that the cuts would strip coverage from vulnerable populations, while Ernst argued that only non-eligible recipients would be removed.

Key Town Hall Moments

Public Outcry Over Medicaid Changes

During the debate, an attendee confronted Ernst, accusing the bill of favoring tax cuts for the wealthy while pushing Americans off Medicaid and food assistance programs.

Ernst pushed back, claiming only individuals who do not meet the original Medicaid eligibility criteria would be affected:

"They’re not currently eligible by the original definition of Medicaid, and they will be moved off of those Medicaid rolls," she stated.

Her comments prompted further criticism, with one audience member shouting, "People are going to die!"

Ernst’s Response: "We All Are Going to Die"

Ernst’s fatalistic remark—"People are not — well, we all are going to die, so, for heaven’s sakes,"—was met with boos and jeers from the crowd.

She later clarified her position, insisting the bill prioritizes benefits for vulnerable Americans while removing undocumented immigrants and non-eligible individuals from Medicaid rolls.

Democratic Response & Political Fallout

Sharp Criticism from Democrats

Democratic leaders seized on Ernst’s "going to die" comment, framing it as dismissive of the health risks tied to budget cuts.

• Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin accused Republicans of prioritizing tax breaks for billionaires over public health, stating, "They don’t care whether their own constituents live or die."

• Democratic hopeful JD Scholten, who may challenge Ernst in future elections, called her remark "so crazy," adding, "We all don't have to die so billionaires can have a bigger tax break."

Ernst’s Defense of Policy Goals

Despite the backlash, Ernst defended the budget proposal, arguing that strengthening Medicaid requires focusing resources on eligible recipients.

"What we do need to do is make sure that those that are part of a vulnerable population have access to Medicaid and receive those full benefits," she told attendees.

Her spokesperson doubled down, dismissing Democratic criticisms as fearmongering, while asserting that Ernst remains committed to reducing taxes and eliminating wasteful spending.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Medicaid & Budget Battles

As Congress debates the budget bill, Medicaid remains a central issue in partisan disputes over social welfare programs.

Will Ernst’s stance resonate with voters, or will Democratic opposition intensify ahead of the 2026 elections? Share your thoughts! 🏛️💬