BREAKING: Senator Joni Ernst: “Well, we are all going to die.”

BREAKING: Senator Joni Ernst: “Well, we are all going to die.”

By J.V. Charles, Senior Editor at jvpolitical.com / May 31,2025

Alright, folks, let’s talk about Iowa’s own Joni Ernst—she’s the junior senator who’s got the heart of a farmer, the grit of a soldier, and the fire of a true Trump patriot. As senior editor of JV Political, I’m here to tell you why Ernst is the MAGA champion Iowa needs in 2025, especially as she gears up for her 2026 re-election showdown. From her hog-castrating days to her Senate battles, this woman’s a force, and I’m pumped to break it down for you.

Key Takeaways

• MAGA to the Core: Ernst is all-in on Trump’s America First agenda—think trade wins, border walls, and pro-life fights.
• Badass Veteran: She’s a retired lieutenant colonel who served in Iraq, bringing that warrior spirit to D.C.
• Iowa’s Voice: From farms to small businesses, Ernst fights for the folks back home.
• 2026 Showdown: She’s got some MAGA skeptics to win over, but she’s doubling down to prove she’s the real deal.

The Making of a Legend: Ernst’s Iowa Roots

Picture this: a young Joni Ernst growing up on a Montgomery County farm, born July 1, 1970, knee-deep in dirt, castrating hogs, and driving tractors. Yeah, that’s the kind of grit she brought to her now-iconic 2014 Senate campaign ads. She went to Iowa State, got her degree, and then signed up for the Iowa Army National Guard, serving from 1993 to 2015. By the time she retired, she was a lieutenant colonel, having led the 1168th Transportation Company in Kuwait during the Iraq War. That’s not just talk—that’s the kind of backbone you want in a senator.

Her political climb started small: Montgomery County Auditor from 2005 to 2011, then Iowa State Senate from 2011 to 2014. In 2014, she made history, snagging Iowa’s U.S. Senate seat as the first Republican to do so since 1978, beating out Democrat Bruce Braley. She cruised to re-election in 2020 and now holds big roles like Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee (2023–2025) and vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference since 2019. Backed early by names like Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin, Ernst has grown into a MAGA powerhouse with Iowa heart.

Why Ernst Is MAGA Gold

If you’re a Trump supporter like me, you know loyalty to the America First movement is everything. Ernst gets it, and she’s got the receipts to prove it.

Trade Deals and Economic Muscle

Ernst has been ride-or-die for Trump’s trade policies, especially his get-tough approach with China. Back in May 2019, when the U.S.-China trade war hit Iowa farmers hard, she didn’t flinch. She said Trump’s style—bold, in-your-face—forced people to the table. She went all-in on the USMCA trade deal, calling out Nancy Pelosi for dragging her feet, and pushed for updates to NAFTA to keep American jobs first. That’s the kind of economic patriotism we love.

Borders and Badges

Ernst is a hawk on border security, backing Trump’s push for a stronger southern wall and tougher enforcement. She’s also got the backs of our cops, co-sponsoring bills to protect law enforcement. In 2025, she teamed up with Senator Chuck Grassley to pass a resolution for National Police Week, giving a shout-out to the “brave men and women” keeping us safe. That’s law-and-order energy straight out of the MAGA playbook.

Faith and Family Values

Ernst is a rock for the pro-life crowd, fighting for fetal personhood and working to yank funding from Planned Parenthood. Her old-school values vibe perfectly with the evangelical MAGA base, standing firm against the left’s social agenda.

Small Business Hustle

Running the Senate Small Business Committee, Ernst is all about Iowa’s entrepreneurs. In 2025, she gave props to places like Huffman’s Farm & Home in Lee County and The Quilted Forest in Winnebago, naming them her “Small Business of the Week.” She’s out there slashing red tape and boosting growth, just like Trump’s “Main Street first” vibe.

Taking Heat at the Town Hall

Ernst doesn’t shy away from tough crowds, and her May 2025 town hall in Butler County proved it. Folks showed up fired up, grilling her on Trump’s big reconciliation bill—you know, the one he calls his “big beautiful bill” with Department of Government Efficiency reforms and GOP budget cuts. One woman, who’d already emailed Ernst’s office, wasn’t holding back. She slammed the bill’s proposed SNAP and Medicaid cuts, saying they weren’t “compassionate” or even “fiscally smart” and accused Ernst of backing a tax break for the rich.

The room erupted in applause for the critic, but Ernst didn’t blink. When the woman pressed on about Medicaid, Ernst shot back that the bill weeds out 1.4 million ineligible folks, like non-citizens, to save funds for those who qualify. Things got wild when someone yelled, “People are going to die!” Ernst, cool as ever, hit back with, “Well, we all are going to die.” The crowd gasped, some booed, but she kept going: “We’re zeroing in on the most vulnerable. If you’re working and got benefits elsewhere, use ’em—leave Medicaid for those who need it.”

Yeah, that “we all are going to die” line got some flak, but let’s be real—it’s vintage Ernst, blunt and unfiltered. The Congressional Budget Office says the bill might leave 7.6 million uninsured, but Ernst insists it’s about prioritizing eligible Iowans. That’s the kind of straight talk MAGA folks respect, even if it ruffles feathers.

MAGA Skeptics and the Loyalty Test

Now, not every MAGA diehard is sold on Ernst. In December 2024, she caught heat for hesitating on Trump’s defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, over some allegations about drinking and assault. Iowa’s own Steve Deace, a radio firebrand, went off, even floating a 2026 primary run if Trump wanted a new senator. Bob Vander Plaats, another Iowa conservative bigwig, piled on, saying Ernst was crumbling under her “big girl job.”

Ernst didn’t back down. She leaned into her combat vet cred, said she was all for a fair vetting process, and backed Hegseth. Iowa GOP insider David Kochel had her back, saying, “Joni’s a combat veteran—she doesn’t fold.” On X, some accounts like @DC_Draino dragged her “D grade” Liberty Score, claiming she votes with Dems 38% of the time and backs gun control. But that’s a half-truth—her votes often reflect Iowa’s farm and economic needs, not some liberal sellout.

The 2026 Fight: Ernst’s Game Plan

Ernst’s Senate seat is up in 2026, and it’s gonna be a brawl. Democrat Nathan Sage is nipping at her heels, leading 47%–45% in a May 2025 Data for Progress poll. Plus, she’s got MAGA purists eyeing a primary challenge. Here’s how she’s locking it down:

• Facing the Crowd: That Butler County town hall wasn’t a one-off. Ernst is crisscrossing Iowa, taking questions on everything from budget cuts to rural hospitals, proving she’s not scared of the heat.
• Racking Up Wins: She’s pushing bills like a 2025 motorcycle caucus measure with Senator Gary Peters, showing she can play nice across the aisle while staying true to her roots. Plus, she’s hammering China’s influence, a red-meat issue for MAGA voters.
• All-In on Trump: Ernst is loud and proud about Trump’s leadership, telling the Senate in 2025 that “American leadership is back” with him in charge. That’s the kind of loyalty that’ll bring the base home.

Why We’re Team Ernst

Look, Joni Ernst is the real deal for Iowa’s Trump fans. She’s got the military chops, the pro-life passion, and the small-town hustle to keep Iowa first. Sure, she’s had a few stumbles, but she owns it and comes back swinging. Heading into 2026, she’s the one who can bridge Iowa’s GOP—farmers who want results and MAGA warriors who want fire.

Here at JV Political, we’re riding with Ernst all the way. She’s not just our senator; she’s a MAGA gladiator for Trump’s America. Let’s keep Iowa red and rally behind her!

FAQs

Is Joni Ernst really MAGA enough?

Heck yeah—she’s backed Trump’s trade deals, border security, and pro-life push. Some grumble about her voting record, but she’s fighting for Iowa’s needs while staying America First.

What went down at Ernst’s 2025 town hall?

She got an earful in Butler County about Trump’s reconciliation bill’s Medicaid and SNAP cuts. Her “we all are going to die” quip got boos, but she stood her ground, focusing on protecting eligible Iowans.

Who’s coming for Ernst in 2026?

Democrat Nathan Sage is polling close, and MAGA folks like Steve Deace are talking primary challenges. Ernst is working overtime to lock in conservatives.

How’s Ernst helping Iowa’s economy?

She’s the Senate Small Business Committee boss, hyping local spots like Huffman’s Farm & Home and pushing deals like USMCA to keep farmers and businesses thriving.