Joni Ernst Faces Backlash Over Medicaid and SNAP Cuts at Iowa Town Hall

On May 30, 2025, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, faced a heated crowd at a town hall meeting in Parkersburg, Iowa. The event, held at Aplington-Parkersburg High School, drew about 100 attendees who expressed strong concerns over proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in a budget reconciliation bill recently passed by the U.S. House. Ernst’s response to these concerns, particularly her comment, “Well, we all are going to die,” sparked widespread backlash and drew national attention. This article explores the town hall, the reasons behind the controversy, and the broader implications for Iowa and the nation.

A Tense Town Hall in Parkersburg

The town hall was part of Senator Ernst’s efforts to engage with constituents about the “big, beautiful bill,” a Trump-backed budget package that includes significant tax reforms, immigration policies, and spending cuts. The bill, which narrowly passed the House earlier in May, proposes reducing Medicaid spending by $700 billion over a decade and shifting some SNAP costs to states while adding work requirements. These changes have raised alarm among many Iowans, particularly those who rely on these programs for healthcare and food assistance.

During the hour-long event, Ernst faced vocal opposition from attendees, including healthcare workers, veterans, and community members. One woman, Elizabeth Kehret, who works for Lutheran Services in Iowa, shared her personal experience with Medicaid, explaining how it supported her through four pregnancies. She expressed worry that the proposed cuts would harm vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women who rely on Medicaid to cover costs not met by private insurance. “I meet with dozens of women who have dual enrollment, where they have private insurance as well as Medicaid, and it helps cover the things that their private insurance doesn’t,” Kehret said.

Ernst responded by defending the cuts, arguing that they would target “ineligible” recipients, such as undocumented immigrants and able-bodied adults who are not working. She emphasized that the bill aims to protect the most vulnerable while ensuring program integrity. However, when an audience member shouted, “People are going to die!” Ernst’s reply—“Well, we all are going to die”—drew gasps, boos, and jeers from the crowd. The comment, meant as a quip, was perceived as dismissive and callous, amplifying the tension in the room.

Why the Backlash?

Ernst’s remark quickly spread across social media and news outlets, drawing sharp criticism from constituents and Democratic leaders. Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, condemned the statement, saying, “This morning, Joni Ernst said the quiet part out loud: Republicans do not care about whether their own constituents live or die as long as the richest few get richer.” Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, a candidate for governor, called the comment a sign of prioritizing politics over public service. State Senator Zach Wahls, who is considering a 2026 Senate run, remarked, “Joni Ernst has gone from ‘Make ‘em squeal’ to ‘We’re all going to die.’ Washington politicians are screwing Iowans, and we need leaders who will fight for us.”

The backlash reflects broader concerns about the budget bill’s impact. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the proposed Medicaid cuts could leave over 7 million people uninsured nationwide. In Iowa, where 700,000 residents rely on Medicaid, the cuts could strain rural hospitals and community health centers, which depend on Medicaid funding. SNAP changes, including work requirements for adults aged 55 to 64 and parents of children aged 7 to 18, have also raised fears about food insecurity among low-income families.

Critics argue that the bill prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy over the needs of vulnerable populations. One attendee at the town hall accused Ernst of supporting a “tax shelter” for the rich, a sentiment echoed by others who shouted, “Tax the 1 percenters!” Ernst countered that the bill would strengthen Medicaid by removing those who have access to other insurance options, but her assurances did little to calm the crowd.

Ernst’s Defense and the Bigger Picture

Ernst maintained that the cuts would not affect those who truly qualify for Medicaid and SNAP. “Those that meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid, we will protect,” she said, emphasizing that the reforms aim to stop overpayments and ensure benefits go to those in need. She also highlighted provisions in the bill to maintain Medicaid coverage for pregnant women, addressing concerns raised by Kehret and others. A spokesperson for Ernst later defended her, stating, “While Democrats fearmonger against strengthening the integrity of Medicaid, Senator Ernst is focused on improving the lives of all Iowans.”

However, the controversy comes at a politically sensitive time for Ernst, who is up for re-election in 2026. Posts on X reflected strong public sentiment, with users like @JCTheResistance and @DisavowTrump20 calling for accountability and promoting Democratic challengers like Sage, who criticized Ernst’s stance as “disgusting and vile.” Polls suggest that voters nationwide oppose cutting Medicaid and SNAP to fund tax cuts, which could pose challenges for Republican lawmakers like Ernst.

The town hall also touched on other contentious issues, including cuts to veterans’ programs and the influence of President Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Veterans in the audience criticized reductions to the Department of Veterans Affairs, while others questioned whether Ernst was doing enough to check Trump’s expanding presidential powers. Ernst defended her support for Trump, noting that he takes her calls and listens to her concerns, unlike former President Joe Biden.

What’s Next for Iowa and the Budget Bill?

As the Senate prepares to review the House-passed bill, Ernst indicated that changes are likely, particularly due to the Senate’s “Byrd Rule,” which limits budget reconciliation bills to mandatory spending provisions. This could strip out some policy elements, such as school voucher provisions, but the proposed Medicaid and SNAP cuts remain a focal point of debate.

For Iowans, the stakes are high. The state faces a shortage of healthcare providers and has the second-highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the U.S., making Medicaid a critical lifeline for many. Community advocates warn that shifting SNAP costs to states could exacerbate food insecurity, particularly in rural areas. The town hall in Parkersburg highlighted the deep divide between Ernst’s fiscal conservative priorities and the concerns of constituents who fear losing essential services.

The controversy has also energized Democratic challengers and activists. State Representative J.D. Scholten, who is considering a Senate run, posted on Instagram, “We all don’t have to die so billionaires can have a bigger tax break.” The incident has become a rallying point for those opposing the Republican agenda, with national media outlets like AP News and The New York Times covering the story extensively.

A Call for Compassionate Leadership

The Parkersburg town hall underscores a broader national conversation about balancing fiscal responsibility with social safety nets. For many attendees, Ernst’s comment symbolized a disconnect between policymakers and the real-world impact of their decisions. As one constituent put it, the cuts seem neither “compassionate” nor “fiscally responsible.”

Moving forward, Ernst and other Republicans will need to address these concerns as they navigate a politically charged landscape. With the 2026 midterms approaching, the backlash in Iowa could shape voter sentiment and influence the Senate’s approach to the budget bill. For now, the debate over Medicaid and SNAP cuts remains a flashpoint, highlighting the challenges of governing in a deeply divided nation.

Senator Ernst’s town hall was a stark reminder that policy decisions have human consequences. As Iowans and Americans await the Senate’s next moves, the call for compassionate, inclusive leadership grows louder. Whether Ernst can bridge the gap with her constituents will be a key test of her political future.

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