Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst Posts Sarcastic Apology Over ‘Die’ Comment

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst found herself in a firestorm after comments last Friday during a town hall meeting in Parkersburg. Her apology over the weekend left many shaking their heads.

What Did Senator Ernst Say at her Town Hall?

Senator Ernst held her first town hall meeting of 2025 on Friday in Parkersburg, Iowa. The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that Ernst received both praise and boos from the crowd. But one answer in particular drew a harsh response. Senator Ernst was asked about President Trump's 'one big beautiful bill' that includes reductions to Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs. The Gazette reports that one attendee shouted, "People will die" as a result of the cuts. Senator Ernst responded.

Needless to say, the crowd wasn't pleased with the Senator's answer or tone. The Gazette reports that Senator Ernst attended an event in Cedar Rapids on Friday afternoon and called the response to her comment "hysteria."

Did Senator Ernst Issue an Apology?

Well, kind of. The Gazette reports that Ernst posted what can only be described as a sarcastic response to the controversy, issuing her statement while walking through a cemetery.

The video has been shared on both Instagram and X, bringing more attention to Senator Ernst and her original comments.

The Gazette reports that the current budget bill being debated by Congress would decrease Medicaid enrollment by 10.3 million, including over 58,000 Iowans. Many of the changes involve work requirements for recipients.

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