Joni Ernst, SNAP Cuts, and the Republican War on Compassion

Laura Bock , , ,

Joni Ernst, SNAP Cuts, and the Republican War on Compassion

At a recent town hall in Iowa, Republican Senator Joni Ernst—infamous for her apocalyptic quip “We’re all going to die”—let the mask slip.

A constituent, reacting to Ernst’s support of Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that proposes slashing benefits for millions of Americans, shouted in frustration:
“People are going to die!”

Ernst’s response? A hollow shrug disguised as profundity:
“We are all going to die.”

It was a moment of political nihilism that perfectly captured the cruelty of this current moment—a moment in which policies are being written not to protect life, but to discard it. That’s how the Republicans do it.

SNAP Cuts for Children? From 18 to 7?

Among the bill’s proposals: a drastic reduction in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, slashing eligibility from dependents up to 18 years old down to just 7.

Seven years old.
As if a child suddenly stops needing food and support once they learn long division.

You can hear the whispers of child labor law repeals coming around the corner.

You can feel the tide turning against the most vulnerable among us: the poor, the disabled, the elderly, the chronically ill, and the underpaid working class just trying to keep their heads above water.

This isn’t just bad policy.
It’s deliberate cruelty.

Republican cruelty to satisfy their TACO in Chief.

Don’t You Dare Say “Pro-Life”

Republicans love to parade themselves as the “pro-life” party. But when they gut healthcare, defund food programs, ignore gun violence, and shrug at mass death caused by climate inaction, corporate greed, and medical debt, what exactly are they pro-life about?

Because from here, it looks like they’re pro-power. Pro-profit. Pro-death-for-the-poor.

All while draping themselves in the flag and wielding a Bible. 

You can’t claim moral high ground while gleefully voting to starve children, abandon veterans, and bankrupt the sick.
Jesus would be ashamed.

The Luxury of Never Having to Worry

It’s easy to make decisions about life and death when you’ve never had to worry about either.

When you’re a U.S. senator:

  • You receive a per diem paid by taxpayers

  • You get top-tier government healthcare

  • You live in the safest neighborhoods

  • You send your kids to the best schools

  • You fly, eat, and drive on the public’s dime

  • You never have to choose between insulin or groceries, rent or daycare, or gas or your light bill

When you live a life of comfort, it becomes disturbingly easy to dismiss the suffering of others. And when that privilege is paired with power, it becomes dangerous.

This Is About Who We Choose to Be

Joni Ernst’s comment wasn’t just cold. It was emblematic of a party and a government that has stopped pretending to care.

“We are all going to die.”
Yes, Senator. Eventually.
But some of us shouldn’t have to die sooner because of your policies.

The Fight Isn’t Over

If this enrages you, good. It should. But rage isn’t enough—we need action. Call your representatives. Vote like lives depend on it—because they do.

Organize. Protest. Donate. Speak up. Refuse to normalize this cruelty.

Because while they live without consequence, millions of Americans are being forced to live without hope.