Controversy as U.S. Politician Responds to 'Killing People' Protest: "We're All Going to Die Anyway"

A Response to Criticism Over Health Insurance Budget Cuts
On Social Media: "If You Want Eternal Life, Believe in Jesus"

A U.S. politician faced controversy after responding to a voter's protest?who accused him of "trying to kill people" over a bill aimed at reducing the budget for low-income health insurance?by saying, "Aren't we all going to die anyway?" As criticism spread, he posted a video that appeared to be an apology, sarcastically adding, "If you want eternal life, I recommend believing in Jesus."

Republican Johnny Ernst, United States Senator. Photo by Yonhap News

According to U.S. public radio NPR on June 1 (local time), Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, participated in a town hall event with her constituents on May 30, where she held a policy Q&A session.

Voters focused their questions on a recently passed federal budget bill in the House of Representatives. In particular, there was considerable concern that ordinary Americans could be harmed if the Medicaid budget for low-income individuals was cut in the name of reducing the fiscal deficit.

In defense of the bill, Senator Ernst said, "There are as many as 1.4 million people who are currently receiving Medicaid benefits even though they are not legally eligible. These people should be removed from the Medicaid rolls."

When a voter shouted, "People are going to die," Senator Ernst jokingly retorted, "We're all going to die anyway." Many attendees at the event responded with boos and other critical reactions to this remark.

Senator Ernst then reiterated her position by saying, "We are focusing on the most vulnerable groups," and added, "Protection for those who are eligible for Medicaid will continue."

After the event, criticism spread online that Senator Ernst's "We're all going to die anyway" comment was inappropriate.

In response, Senator Ernst posted a video on Instagram to address the backlash. In the video, she said, "I sincerely apologize for my town hall remarks," but her tone was sarcastic.

Senator Ernst said, "I thought everyone at the town hall understood that we are all going to die someday, but that was a mistake," and then sarcastically added, "If there are people who want eternal life, I recommend believing in my savior, Jesus."