Republican senator criticized for mock apology after saying ‘we all are going to die’

Joni Ernst makes light of fears that Medicaid cuts could be fatal, later filming a reply in what appeared to be a graveyard

Senator Joni Ernst triggered fierce criticism after making light of voters' fears that Republican Medicaid cuts could prove fatal, telling a town hall audience we all are going to die" and then filming a mocking response video over the weekend.

The Iowa Republican, who is facing a possibly challenging re-election battle in 2026, was explaining at a Friday town hall how the Republican immigration and tax package would affect Medicaid eligibility when an audience member shouted that people could die if they lost coverage through the proposed cuts.