Let Them Die: Joni Ernst’s Medicaid Shrug
Let Them Eat Cake: Part Deux
“We’re all going to die,” she said.
That was Senator Joni Ernst’s response when an Iowa woman shouted, “People are going to die!” — concerned that the GOP’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” would slash Medicaid, leaving people without healthcare.
And without healthcare? People do die.
The senator shrugged.
Laughed.
Then filmed a follow-up — from a cemetery.
You can’t make this up.
What’s behind the joke? $1 trillion in cuts that could gut healthcare for the poor, disabled, elderly, and working families. And Ernst’s answer tells us everything:
If you die because you couldn’t afford coverage, it’s not her concern.
If you’re not in her tax bracket, you’re not in her moral calculus.
Your death is just another talking point — and she’s already moved on.
🧾 The Real Numbers Behind the Punchline
📊 Projected losses under the “One Big Beautiful Bill”
(CBO, Urban Institute, Brookings)
Young Adults (18–24): Up to 30% could lose coverage
Adults (19–64): 36–42% at risk under new work rules
Near-Retirement (50–64): 3.3 million could lose care
Low-Income Seniors (Dual Eligible): 1.4 million could lose Medicaid help with meds and long-term care
This isn’t “tough love.” This is strategic neglect — aimed squarely at the people who can’t afford to lose.
Meanwhile, in Iowa:
1 in 5 residents rely on Medicaid
50% of all nursing home residents are covered by it
🪑 About That Senator
Joni Ernst has served in the U.S. Senate since 2015.
She earns $174,000 a year —
Over 3× Iowa’s median household income —
With platinum-level government healthcare and a taxpayer-funded pension after just five years of service.
So when she says,
“We’re all going to die.”
She’s not talking about herself.
It’s not the first time the powerful have shrugged at the suffering of the poor.
Marie Antoinette said, “Let them eat cake.”
Joni Ernst just updated the line for 2025:
Let them die.
📣 Want to Say Something Back?
If you’re tired of being told “We’re all going to die” while politicians cut your care:
📝 Contact Senator Joni Ernst
📞 DC Office: (202) 224-3254
📬 Mailing Address:
Senator Joni Ernst
730 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
You paid for her health care.
You have every right to ask why she’s coming for yours.
☎️ Suggested Call/Email Script to Senator Joni Ernst
Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a [veteran / parent / healthcare worker / concerned citizen] from [Your City, State].
I’m reaching out about Senator Ernst’s recent comment — “We’re all going to die” — in response to concerns about the Medicaid cuts in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
I found that statement incredibly dismissive, especially given how many Iowans rely on Medicaid — including seniors, disabled people, and low-income families.
The Senator receives taxpayer-funded healthcare and a pension, and I think she should be fighting to protect the care that ordinary people depend on too.
I urge her to oppose any legislation that guts Medicaid or puts lives at risk. We elect leaders to protect people, not mock their survival.
Thank you for your time.
🧭 Tone Tips
Stay calm and firm — outrage with clarity.
If you have a personal story about Medicaid helping you or someone you know, add it — real stories make a difference.
If calling, you may be directed to voicemail — that’s okay. Leave the messag
📬 Share this post if you’re done with cruelty in public service.
🕊 Still in the fight,
Tbird