'We are all going to die': GOP senator shrugs off possible deaths from Medicaid cuts

Constituents at U.S. Senator Joni Ernst's town hall on Friday morning yelled that Americans will die if President Donald Trump's bill—which cuts $800 billion from Medicaid and SNAP and will force anther $500 billion in cuts to Medicaid—becomes law.

"People will die," an audience member yelled.

"People are not—" Ernst responded, before declaring, "Well, we all are going to die."

As the audience shouted down her response, Ernst did not retract but rather, replied: "For heaven's sakes, folks."

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Ernst had just chastised her constituents, saying, "illegals that are receiving Medicaid benefits."

Clip's of her remarks flew across social media.

Critics blasted Senator Ernst's remarks.

"GOP 2026 slogan just dropped," mocked Justin Kanew, political activist and founder of the progressive media outlet The Tennessee Holler.

"This is a moment that will play over and over again through the next 17 months," remarked Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee communications director Maeve Coyle.

"Compelling midterm message!" snarked a Democratic National Committee Senior Advisor, Tim Hogan.

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"This is the Republican health care agenda: indifference to the lives of working families," wrote Protect Our Care, a healthcare advocacy nonprofit organization.

The liberal super PAC American Bridge was among those who posted a clip of Senator Ernst's comments.

Watch the video below or at this link:

"Well, we all are going to die"#IASen Joni Ernst shocks her own constituents, dismissing concerns that supporting deep cuts to Medicaid and other services will cause people to die if they can't get the care they need. pic.twitter.com/VqzY3Z1zYf
— American Bridge 21st Century (@American_Bridge) May 30, 2025

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