'I am very compassionate': Joni Ernst defends her 'we all are going to die' remark
Speaking to CBS News on Monday, Ernst said, "I'm very compassionate, and you need to listen to the entire conversation."
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
During a heated town hall on Friday, Senator Joni Ernst sparked viral attention with remarks about mortality as she defended a controversial GOP-backed domestic policy bill. The legislation, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill act—a nod to former President Trump's nickname for it—seeks to implement work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients, among other reforms.
Tensions rose when Ernst attempted to explain the proposed changes to Medicaid, prompting someone in the crowd to shout that the policy would lead to deaths.
Ernst elaborated that the legislation would "focus on those that are most vulnerable" and assured that "those that meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid we will protect."
Subsequently, Ernst posted an ironic video apology on Instagram, stating, "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. I'm really, really glad that I did not have to bring up the subject of the Tooth Fairy as well."
Her remarks drew criticism from potential electoral challengers. Democratic nominee candidate Nathan Sage accused Ernst of showing contempt for constituents, whilst State Representative JD Scholten announced his campaign launch, citing Ernst's town hall behaviour as motivation.
The House legislation would implement additional Medicaid restrictions, including requirements for non-disabled adults without children to work, volunteer or study.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
It also introduces more frequent eligibility assessments, reduces funding for states covering undocumented immigrants, freezes provider taxes and prohibits gender transition service coverage.
The proposed modifications to Medicaid and SNAP could generate substantial savings, potentially funding extensions of Trump's 2017 tax cuts and enhanced border security measures.
Ernst acknowledged at the town hall that whilst she supports certain aspects of the House-passed legislation, "the bill will be changing" as it progresses through the Senate, where some Republicans advocate for reduced Medicaid cuts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
a minute ago
- Hindustan Times
Minister dares SP MLA to prove no water supply claim, offers to resign
While offering to resign, Jal Shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh on Tuesday dared Samajwadi Party MLA Mohd Faheem Irfan to prove that his village was not getting water supply. Jal Shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh arrives to attend the Monsoon session at UP assembly in Lucknow on Tuesday. (HT Photo) Replying to a question during Question Hour on the second day of the Monsoon session in UP assembly, Singh said: 'I would ask Mohd Faheem Irfan to swear by his wife that his village is not getting water supply. I guarantee that I will resign. I know his village is Ibrahimpur and the pradhan's name is Sajid. He may be called to ask about the water supply right away.' Singh was replying in the House to a question over the Jal Jeevan Mission by SP MLAs Irfan and Brajesh Katheriya. On the extent of road excavation and repair for pipeline laying, Singh said 1.96 lakh km had been dug and 1.90 lakh km repaired, with the remaining work to be completed by December 31. 'These figures are from the company doing the work. If they are wrong, action will be taken,' he said. During the debate, Irfan also offered to resign from the assembly, saying a probe would reveal the truth. Meanwhile, rural development minister Vijay Laxmi Gautam informed the House that more than 13 lakh houses had been sanctioned for the poor, underprivileged and destitute in Uttar Pradesh over the last three years. She was replying to a question by a Samajwadi Party member. 'Between 2022-23 and 2024-25, as many as 10,44,876 houses were sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, while 2,62,594 houses were approved under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana,' she said. 'A survey is underway and has covered 57.73 lakh people so far. The process of allotting houses will begin soon,' she added. On wages under MGNREGA, Gautam said the state pays ₹252 per day and that any increase lies with the Centre. Responding to MLA Manoj Kumar Paras's question on panchayat development funds, panchayati raj minister OP Rajbhar said ₹6,720 crore was provided in 2024-25 and ₹7,505 crore will be given in 2025-26 under the State Finance Commission, in addition to 15th Finance Commission funds. Minister of state for basic education Sandeep Singh told the House that the state government had not closed a single school. The minister was responding to queries by SP legislators Pankaj Patel, Anil Pradhan and Prabhu Narayan Singh Yadav. Patel raised concern over 'poor educational standards' and the recent merger of schools, claiming that 88 lakh children had dropped out. The minister said children are enrolled at the age of six, while those aged three to six are encouraged to attend Anganwadi centres.
Mint
a minute ago
- Mint
National Guard takes control of Washington DC as Trump tightens grip on law enforcement
A day after declaring a "criminal emergency" in the Washingron, President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops and took command of US national capital. About 800 National Guard members began arriving in the city on Tuesday after the White House ordered federal forces to take over the city's police department The law allows Trump to take over the D.C. police for up to 30 days, though White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested it could last longer as authorities later 'reevaluate and reassess." Extending federal control past that time would require Congressional approval, something likely tough to achieve in the face of Democratic resistance. About 850 officers and agents fanned out across Washington on Monday and arrested 23 people overnight, Leavitt said. The charges, she said, included homicide, drunk driving, gun and drug crimes and subway fare evasion. She didn't immediately provide further information on the arrests.
Hindustan Times
31 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Media's role crucial in strengthening democracy: Haryana assembly speaker
Haryana Vidhan Sabha speaker Harvinder Kalyan on Monday said the media plays a vital role in strengthening the democratic system by acting as a bridge between the public and the legislature. Haryana Vidhan Sabha speaker Harvinder Kalyan during a workshop in Chandigarh on Tuesday. (Sourced) Inaugurating a training workshop for the press corps at Haryana Niwas, Chandigarh, he said impartial and responsible reporting on policy-making, budget reviews and public interest issues is the media's duty. 'Factual accuracy, respectful language and a positive outlook are essential for guiding society in the right direction,' he said. The workshop, organised by the Vidhan Sabha, aimed to familiarise journalists with legislative procedures, parliamentary traditions and digital platforms. Kalyan also referred to the 'One Nation, One Legislature' concept and the House's digital transition, stressing the media's role in making India a developed nation by 2047. 'There is no limit to learning. No matter how high we reach, there is always room for improvement and learning,' Kalyan said. Former Haryana chief secretary Keshni Anand Arora said diligence, positive thinking and inner happiness are keys to success, urging journalists to work with optimism despite challenges. She said that having a clear goal in life is essential. 'Without a goal, one is like a ship without direction,' she said, noting that the media faces many challenges. PRS Legislative Research's Chakshu Roy cautioned that covering expunged remarks or unpublished documents from the House amounts to a breach of privilege. Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy director Chander Trikha stressed that credibility must remain intact despite challenges, even as Panjab University's Gurmeet Singh, a professor in the Hindi department, advised journalists to strengthen their technical knowledge.
