The hosts of The View took Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) to task during Monday’s episode over the senator’s town hall exchange about Medicaid cuts that turned into a viral controversy.
Ernst sparked outrage during a recent town hall when she was confronted by a constituent who said that “people will die” if Medicaid is slashed. Ernst replied, “Well, we’re all going to die.”
The remark was amplified further by a follow-up video Ernst filmed from a cemetery.
In a now-viral Instagram video, Ernst attempted to clarify — or double down — on her comments, saying, “We are all going to perish from this earth. So, I apologize and I’m really, really glad that I did not have to bring up the subject of the tooth fairy, as well.”
The View dedicated a segment to tearing into Ernst.
“Rethink bringing her back if she’s representing you,” co-host Whoopi Goldberg said flatly to Iowa voters.
Ernst’s current Senate term is set to end in 2027, which co-host Sara Haines noted.
“She’s up for reelection in 2026, so take note,” Haines warned viewers. “She’s bending the knee to the wrong boss. The lack of empathy, the callousness — it’s already painful to hear the policy, but to deliver it this way, and then go film a creepy video in a cemetery? That’s a double dose of stupidity.”
Co-host Ana Navarro quipped that Ernst’s political career could echo the cemetery theme. She additionally offered a brief and rare compliment for Ernst, praising her willingness to host a town hall: “At least she faced her constituents.”
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Navarro then quickly turned critical, warning: “These comments could come back to haunt her, and the people in Iowa could put her political career in the grave — since she enjoys going to cemeteries so much.”
Goldberg summed it up with a familiar call to action: “If you’re unhappy, vote. That’s the only way this changes.”