Major Controversies Surrounding Joni Ernst: A Detailed Timeline

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

Joni Ernst is an American politician and retired military officer currently serving as the junior United States senator from Iowa since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, Ernst's career blends both political and military experience. She represents Iowa in the U.S. Senate.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2014: Criticism of President Obama

In 2014, Joni Ernst criticized President Barack Obama, calling him a "dictator" who should be "removed from office" or face "impeachment" due to his recess appointments and handling of the Ebola outbreak.

2016: Endorsed Steve King

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

2017: Response to Steve King's controversial remarks

In 2017, after Steve King attracted criticism for saying "we can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies" and for supporting European far-right politicians, Joni Ernst said she did not condone King's behavior but would not ask for his resignation.

2018: Appeared with Steve King at a 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.

2018: Response to Fourth National Climate Assessment

In 2018, after the release of the Fourth National Climate Assessment, detailing the impact of climate change, Joni Ernst said that "our climate always changes and we see those ebb and flows through time".

December 2019: Coordination with Political Nonprofits

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

2019: Alleged romantic relationship with Navy official

In 2019, Joni Ernst allegedly had a romantic relationship with a "legislative affairs official" for the Navy. This relationship raised 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, amid extensive criticism of Steve King by Republican politicians after King made controversial remarks about white supremacy, Joni Ernst rebuked him.

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.

February 2020: Vote to Acquit Trump and Impeachment Suggestion for Biden

In February 2020, Joni Ernst voted to acquit Trump on both articles of impeachment, arguing he had learned his lesson. She also suggested that Joe Biden could be impeached if he becomes president over his actions in Ukraine.

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 walking back her statements.

May 28, 2021: Vote Against Capitol Attack Commission

On May 28, 2021, Joni Ernst voted against creating an independent commission to investigate the 2021 United States Capitol attack.

2021: Response to Capitol Attack and Electoral College Certification

In 2021, Joni Ernst participated in the certification of the Electoral College vote count when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. She condemned the violence, supported certification, and opposed impeaching Trump.

2022: Support for Overturning Roe v. Wade

In 2022, Ernst supported the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade, calling it a science-based decision.

2023: Air Force Inspector General report completed

At some point before 2023, Joni Ernst allegedly had a relationship with "the general who oversaw" the Air Force's "lobbying before Congress." In 2023 the Inspector General for the Air Force completed a report on that general's behavior. These relationships raised conflict of interest questions about Ernst, who was serving on the Armed Services Committee at the time.

February 2025: Support for DOGE's Actions

In February 2025, Joni Ernst expressed her support for the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) actions seeking access to sensitive systems of several U.S. government bodies, stating that the disruption was necessary to scrutinize records and expenditures.

March 2025: ProPublica report on alleged romantic relationships

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

May 30, 2025: "We are all going to die" comment

On May 30, 2025, Joni Ernst responded to a constituent's concern about potential deaths from Medicaid and SNAP cuts with the statement, "Well, we are all going to die. For heaven's sakes, folks". The comments led to backlash and Ernst issued an apology video.