Major Controversies Surrounding Joni Ernst: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 13, 2026

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Joni Ernst.

Joni Ernst is an American politician currently serving as the junior United States Senator from Iowa since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, Ernst is also a retired military officer. Her political career is defined by her senatorial role representing Iowa in the US Senate.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2012: Supported "nullification" of EPA rules and Obamacare

In 2012, as a state senator, Joni Ernst co-sponsored a resolution urging the "nullification" of EPA rules on emissions standards and answered "Yes" to a survey asking whether she would support legislation "nullify[ing] Obamacare and authoriz[ing] state and local law enforcement to arrest federal officials attempting to implement [it]."

2013: Comments on state nullification of federal laws

In 2013, Joni Ernst said Congress should not pass laws "that the states would consider nullifying", referring to "200-plus years of federal legislators going against the Tenth Amendment's states' rights."

2016: Endorsed Steve King for House seat

In 2016, Joni Ernst endorsed Steve King, a Republican House Representative known for his controversial rhetoric, when he faced a primary challenge for his House seat, saying he "stands strong for life and liberty."

2017: Response to Steve King's controversial remarks

In 2017, Joni Ernst responded to criticism of Steve King, who was under fire for saying "we can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies" and for supporting European far-right politicians, by stating that she did not condone King's behavior but would not ask for his resignation.

2018: Appeared with Steve King at rally

In 2018, Joni Ernst appeared with Steve King at a rally in his district after King had endorsed a Canadian politician with neo-Nazi ties.

December 2019: Report of campaign coordination with a political nonprofit

In December 2019, the Associated Press reported that Joni Ernst's campaign had closely coordinated with a political nonprofit, leading to a complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission.

2019: Alleged romantic relationship with a legislative affairs official for the Navy

According to multiple sources, in 2019 Joni Ernst had a romantic relationship with a "legislative affairs official" for the Navy, raising conflict of interest questions about Ernst, who was serving on the Armed Services Committee at the time.

2019: Rebuked Steve King after controversial remarks

In 2019, Joni Ernst rebuked Steve King amid extensive criticism from Republican politicians following King's controversial remarks about white supremacy.

January 2020: Expressed support for the US military's assassination of Qasem Soleimani

In January 2020, Joni Ernst expressed support for the US military's assassination of Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani by drone strike at Baghdad International Airport.

January 2020: Petition to Reconsider Roe v. Wade

In January 2020, Joni Ernst petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that found abortion bans are unconstitutional.

August 2020: COVID-19 conspiracy theory

In August 2020, Joni Ernst repeated a debunked conspiracy theory about inflated COVID-19 case numbers in Iowa, later retracting her statements.

2023: Alleged romantic relationship with "the general who oversaw" the Air Force's "lobbying before Congress"

According to multiple sources, before the Inspector General for the Air Force completed a report on that general's behavior in 2023, Joni Ernst had a romantic relationship with "the general who oversaw" the Air Force's "lobbying before Congress", raising conflict of interest questions about Ernst, who was serving on the Armed Services Committee at the time.

March 2025: ProPublica report on alleged romantic relationships with military officials

In March 2025, ProPublica reported on alleged romantic relationships Joni Ernst had with a Navy official in 2019 and an Air Force general before 2023. These relationships raised conflict of interest questions regarding her service on the Armed Services Committee.

May 30, 2025: "We are all going to die" comment at town hall meeting

On May 30, 2025, at a town hall meeting, Joni Ernst responded to a constituent's concern about Medicaid and SNAP cuts by saying, "Well, we are all going to die. For heaven's sakes, folks". She later apologized in an Instagram video, explaining she assumed everyone understood mortality and encouraged embracing Jesus Christ. The incident was mocked by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.