Full History Of Joni Ernst In Timeline From 1970

1 day ago : Senator Joni Ernst Engages with Iowans in Town Halls and Eastern Iowa Visits.

Senator Joni Ernst held town hall meetings in Iowa, including Butler County, and visited eastern Iowa, stopping in Iowa City and Parkersburg to connect with constituents.

July 1, 1970: Joni Ernst Born

On July 1, 1970, Joni Kay Ernst (née Culver) was born. She would later become a politician and retired military officer, serving as a United States senator from Iowa starting in 2015.

Others born on this day/year

1978: Last Republican elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1978, prior to Joni Ernst's election in 2014, the last Republican was elected to the U.S. Senate.

1992: Marriage to Gail Ernst

In 1992, Joni Ernst (then Joni Culver) married Gail Ernst.

1992: Earned Bachelor's Degree

In 1992, Joni Ernst earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Iowa State University.

1993: Joined Iowa Army National Guard

In 1993, Joni Ernst joined the Iowa Army National Guard.

1995: Earned Master's Degree

In 1995, Joni Ernst earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbus State University.

2003: Deployment to Kuwait

In 2003, Joni Ernst was deployed to Kuwait as commander of the 1168th Transportation Company, during the Iraq War and spent 12 months there until 2004.

2004: Elected Montgomery County Auditor

In 2004, Joni Ernst was elected Montgomery County Auditor.

2004: Commander of the 1168th Transportation Company

In 2004, Joni Ernst was in Kuwait, finishing her 12 month period as commander of the 1168th Transportation Company, during the Iraq War after being deployed in 2003.

2005: Auditor of Montgomery County

In 2005, Joni Ernst became the auditor of Montgomery County.

2008: Reelected Montgomery County Auditor

In 2008, Joni Ernst was reelected as Montgomery County Auditor.

2011: Served in the Iowa State Senate

In 2011, Joni Ernst began her service in the Iowa State Senate.

2011: Endorsement of Medicare and Medicaid Reform

In 2011, Joni Ernst endorsed a partial privatization of both Medicare and Medicaid in an Iowa Senate vote.

2012: Support for nullifying ObamaCare

In 2012, Joni Ernst 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]."

2012: Reelected to Iowa State Senate

In 2012, Joni Ernst was reelected to the Iowa State Senate.

July 2013: Announced Senate Candidacy

In July 2013, Joni Ernst announced her candidacy for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Tom Harkin.

October 2013: Kim Reynolds Endorsed Ernst

In October 2013, Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds endorsed Joni Ernst in her Senate campaign.

2013: Statement on state nullification of federal laws

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

2013: Comments on government reliance

In 2013, Joni Ernst stated that there was a "generation of people that rely on the government to provide absolutely everything for them" and that removing them from government programs such as the Affordable Care Act "is going to be very painful".

2013: Voted for Fetal Personhood Amendment

In 2013, Joni Ernst voted for a fetal personhood amendment in the Iowa Senate.

February 2014: Trailing in Republican Primary Polls

In February 2014, before her "cut pork" campaign ad, Joni Ernst was trailing Mark Jacobs in the Republican primary polls.

March 2014: Endorsements from Romney and Palin

In March 2014, Joni Ernst received endorsements from former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

March 2014: "Cut Pork" Campaign Ad

In March 2014, Joni Ernst released a campaign advertisement where she compared her experience castrating pigs to her ability to "cut pork" in Congress. The ad received widespread attention and was spoofed by late-night comedians.

May 2014: Response to AWOL Characterization

In May 2014, Joni Ernst said she was "extremely offended" by comments from Jacobs characterizing her as AWOL due to missing over 100 votes in the legislative session.

May 2014: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Endorsement

In May 2014, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a lobbying group, endorsed Joni Ernst's Senate campaign.

August 2014: Comments on military intervention in Iraq

In August 2014, when asked about the limited airstrikes conducted in Iraq, Joni Ernst said that she would have supported leaving additional troops in Iraq longer to avoid the situation at the time.

October 2014: Campaign Finance Stance

In an October 2014 debate, Joni Ernst said she “believe[s] in political free speech” and did not see a need to change campaign finance laws, after receiving substantial “dark money” support in the election.

November 28, 2014: Resigned from Iowa State Senate

On November 28, 2014, Joni Ernst resigned from the Iowa State Senate after being elected to the U.S. Senate.

2014: NRA spending in support of Ernst

Between 2014 and 2018, according to data from OpenSecrets, the NRA spent $3,124,273 in support of Joni Ernst, primarily attacking candidates running against her.

2014: Senate campaign and position on nullification

During her 2014 Senate campaign, Joni Ernst's spokespeople argued that she did not support nullification, and that "her comments on it were about encouraging Iowans to send her to Washington to pass good laws."

2014: Criticism of the Clean Water Act and the U.S. Farm Bill

In 2014, Joni Ernst criticized the impact of the Clean Water Act on farms and businesses and stated that she would have voted against the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill.

2014: Support for tax code changes

In 2014, Joni Ernst expressed support for a "fairer, flatter, and simpler" federal tax code, a reduction in discretionary spending and spending on social programs, and a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget.

2014: Claim about the Department of Education employees

In 2014, Joni Ernst inaccurately claimed that 94% of employees at the Department of Education had been deemed “nonessential” and argued funding would be better spent at the state and local level.

2014: Criticism of President Obama

In 2014, Joni Ernst referred to President Barack Obama as a "dictator" who should be removed from office or impeached, criticizing his recess appointments and his handling of the Ebola outbreak.

2014: Sexual Harassment Disclosure

In 2014, Joni Ernst revealed in an interview with Time Magazine that she had experienced sexual harassment during her military service.

2014: Opposition to cap-and-trade

In 2014, Joni Ernst stated that she is "adamantly opposed" to cap-and-trade, a market-based approach to reducing carbon emissions.

2014: Elected to U.S. Senate

In 2014, Joni Ernst was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first Republican to win the seat since 1978.

2014: Served in the Iowa State Senate

In 2014, Joni Ernst's service in the Iowa State Senate concluded.

2014: Remarks on Second Amendment rights

In 2014, during a debate, Joni Ernst addressed the Santa Barbara shooting, stating that a "horrible, horrible tragedy" should not infringe upon people's Second Amendment rights.

2014: Views on same-sex marriage

In a 2014 debate, Joni Ernst expressed her belief that same-sex marriage is a state's rights issue, but stated she would support a federal ban if one were proposed. She co-sponsored a bill in the Iowa Senate to amend the state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman.

2014: Statement on climate change science

In a 2014 debate, Joni Ernst stated, "I don't know the science behind climate change. I can't say one way or another what is the direct impact from whether it's manmade or not."

January 3, 2015: Sworn into the U.S. Senate

On January 3, 2015, Joni Ernst was sworn into the United States Senate, becoming Iowa's first new U.S. senator since Tom Harkin in 1985.

October 2015: Comments on Obama's Afghanistan strategy

In October 2015, Joni Ernst said that President Obama lacked "a clear coherent strategy in Afghanistan" amid the rise of Taliban forces and ISIS.

2015: Became U.S. Senator from Iowa

In 2015, Joni Ernst became the junior United States senator from Iowa, marking the beginning of her service in the U.S. Senate.

2015: Retired from Iowa Army National Guard

In 2015, Joni Ernst retired from the Iowa Army National Guard, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel.

2015: Retired from the Military

In 2015, Joni Ernst retired from the military after serving 23 years in the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.

2015: Call to halt Syrian refugee admissions

In 2015, Joni Ernst stated that the U.S. should halt the admission of Syrian refugees, emphasizing the need for a "thorough vetting process".

May 2016: Possible Vice Presidential Candidate

In May 2016, Chris Cilizza included Joni Ernst on his short list of potential vice presidential running mates for Donald Trump.

2016: Introduced Sarah's Law

In 2016, Joni Ernst and other Republican senators introduced "Sarah's Law" in honor of Sarah Root, who was killed in a street racing crash.

2016: Endorsement of Steve King

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

2016: Opposed Garland Nomination

In 2016, Joni Ernst opposed Senate consideration of Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland.

2016: Possible Running Mate for Donald Trump

In 2016, Joni Ernst was considered as a possible running mate for Donald Trump during his presidential campaign.

February 2017: Vote to confirm Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary

In February 2017, Joni Ernst voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary, citing their shared belief that those closest to students know what is best for them.

2017: Opposition to ban on transgender individuals in the military

In 2017, Joni Ernst announced her opposition to Trump's ban on transgender individuals serving in the armed forces.

2017: Addressed Wasteful Spending

In 2017, Joni Ernst asked Secretary of Defense nominee James Mattis whether he would pledge to cut wasteful spending and stop sexual assault in the military, to which Mattis agreed.

2017: Criticism of Russia's behavior

In 2017, Joni Ernst called Russia's behavior, including its annexation of Crimea and interference in U.S. elections, "totally unacceptable" and said Trump should "show strength against Vladimir Putin".

2017: Introduction of legislation to block Planned Parenthood funding

In 2017, Joni Ernst introduced legislation that would allow states to block Planned Parenthood from receiving Title X grants or Medicaid reimbursements.

2017: Support for withdrawal from Paris climate accords

In 2017, Joni Ernst supported President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accords.

2017: Vote for repealing the ACA

In 2017, Joni Ernst voted for all three versions of a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

2017: Vote for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

In 2017, Joni Ernst voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

2017: Response to criticism of Steve King

In 2017, after Steve King received criticism for his comments on restoring civilization and supporting European far-right politicians, Joni Ernst stated that she did not condone King's behavior but would not ask for his resignation.

2017: Request to review bump stock regulations

In 2017, amid bipartisan momentum for bump stock restrictions, Joni Ernst was one of 10 Republican senators to sign a letter requesting that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives review a decision that bump stocks fall outside the purview of existing gun regulations.

January 2018: Letter to Trump regarding NAFTA

In January 2018, Joni Ernst was one of 36 Republican senators to sign a letter to Trump requesting he preserve and modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement.

March 2018: Vote to table resolution on troop withdrawal from Yemen

In March 2018, Joni Ernst voted to table a resolution that would have required President Trump to withdraw American troops either in or influencing Yemen within the next 30 days, unless they were combating Al-Qaeda.

May 2018: Introduction of a rescission package

In May 2018, Joni Ernst was one of nine Republican senators to introduce a rescission package aimed at cutting $15.4 billion in previously approved spending.

June 13, 2018: Sentencing for threats against Ernst

On June 13, 2018, federal judge Linda Reade sentenced Joseph Dierks to six years in prison for threatening "to kill or otherwise harm" Joni Ernst on Twitter.

June 2018: Questioning Trump's decision on military exercises with South Korea

In June 2018, Joni Ernst questioned President Trump's decision to suspend joint military exercises with South Korea.

June 2018: Letter to Defense Secretary Mattis regarding immigration cases

In June 2018, Joni Ernst, along with Democratic senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Patrick Leahy, wrote a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis expressing concern over the decision to send 21 Judge Advocate General's Corps to prosecute immigration cases on the southern border, calling it an "inappropriate misapplication of military personnel".

July 2018: Endorsement of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

In July 2018, Joni Ernst was one of 31 Republican senators to submit a resolution endorsing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating that its abolition would allow "dangerous criminal aliens" and members of the MS-13 gang to remain in the U.S.

August 2018: Warning about failure to finish trade deals

In August 2018, Joni Ernst warned that failure to finish trade deals would "reflect negatively upon our Republican candidates" and advocated completing NAFTA and continuing to work with the European Union.

August 27, 2018: Announcement of divorce

On August 27, 2018, Joni Ernst announced that she and her husband, Gail Ernst, were in the process of obtaining a divorce. She also stated she declined Trump's offer to be his vice-presidential running mate because "it wasn't the right thing for me or my family."

November 2018: Elected Vice Chair of Senate Republican Conference

In November 2018, Joni Ernst was elected vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference.

November 2018: Statement on Saudi Arabia after Khashoggi's murder

In November 2018, following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Joni Ernst acknowledged Saudi Arabia as a "great strategic partner" but suggested Congress consider a legislative response due to the United States' commitment to human rights.

2018: Comments on border security during government shutdown

Amid the 2018–19 United States federal government shutdown that resulted after Trump demanded $5.7 billion for a border wall, Joni Ernst stated she would "tend to agree that not all areas of our border need a physical barrier" if they are monitored by technology or Border Patrol agents and it was possible to respond in a "timely manner".

2018: Ernst's net worth

As of 2018, according to OpenSecrets.org, Joni Ernst's net worth was negative, owing more than $196,000.

2018: NRA spending in support of Ernst

Between 2014 and 2018, according to data from OpenSecrets, the NRA spent $3,124,273 in support of Joni Ernst, primarily attacking candidates running against her.

2018: Comments on Stoneman Douglas High School shooting

Following the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Joni Ernst identified mental illness as the "root cause" of many mass shootings and later cosponsored a bill to require federal authorities to inform states within a day if a person failing a background check attempted to buy a firearm.

2018: Appearance 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: Reiterated Supreme Court Nomination Stance

In 2018, Joni Ernst reiterated that Supreme Court nominees should not be heard during presidential election years, despite doing the opposite in 2020.

2018: Accusation against Scott Pruitt

In 2018, Joni Ernst said that Scott Pruitt lied to her about upholding the Renewable Fuel Standard, while calling Pruitt "about as swampy as you get".

2018: Urging caution on Russia cooperation

In 2018, Joni Ernst urged caution if the U.S. worked with Russia to "put a lid on Iran", saying that Russia would never be "a true friend or ally" to the U.S.

2018: Vote against reinstating net neutrality

In 2018, Joni Ernst voted against reinstating net neutrality, which prevents internet service providers from blocking or slowing down certain content, after an FCC ruling.

2018: Cosponsorship of bill on preexisting conditions

In 2018, Joni Ernst was one of 10 Republican senators to cosponsor a bill intended to guarantee coverage for people with preexisting conditions, though it would have allowed insurers to exclude coverage for the conditions themselves.

2018: Concerns about troop withdrawal from Syria

In 2018, after missile strikes against Syria, Joni Ernst expressed being "uncomfortable" if President Trump wanted to commit more American troops there. Following Trump's announcement of troop withdrawal, Ernst co-signed a letter expressing concern, labeling it a "premature and costly mistake".

2018: Response to the Fourth National Climate Assessment

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

2018: Concerns about tariffs

In 2018, as Trump imposed tariffs as part of his trade policy and other countries responded in kind, Joni Ernst said she was willing to give him some leeway but worried about the impact on farmers.

January 2019: Finalization of divorce

In January 2019, the divorce between Joni Ernst and Gail Ernst was finalized, with Joni Ernst alleging verbal and mental abuse and one instance of physical assault. Both accused each other of infidelity.

February 2019: Vote to confirm Andrew Wheeler as EPA administrator

In February 2019, Joni Ernst voted to confirm Andrew Wheeler as the new EPA administrator.

March 2019: Called for Release of Mueller Report Findings

In March 2019, after the Special Counsel Investigation concluded and Attorney General William Barr released an abridged summary of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report, Joni Ernst called for a release of the report's full findings.

May 2019: Comments on trade war and tariffs

In May 2019, amid a trade war between the United States and China, Joni Ernst stated she did not like tariffs but that the "president's way of negotiating...brings people to the table." She also said that Iowa farmers are "disappointed" but recognize "that China is the one that is forcing this."

June 2019: Call for limits on RFS waivers

In June 2019, Joni Ernst stated she had asked President Trump and Andrew Wheeler to limit the issuing of Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waivers, saying they were being handed out "like candy" without congressional oversight.

December 2019: Campaign Coordination Controversy

In December 2019, the Associated Press reported on Joni Ernst's campaign's close coordination with a political nonprofit, raising concerns about campaign finance regulations and transparency.

2019: Comments on USMCA trade agreement

In 2019, Joni Ernst accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of "slow-walking" the passage of the USMCA trade agreement but believed there was enough support to ratify it.

2019: Appointed to Senate Judiciary Committee

In 2019, Joni Ernst became the first female Republican to be appointed to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

2019: Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference

In 2019, Joni Ernst became the vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference.

2019: Call to protect Kurdish partners in Syria

In 2019, Joni Ernst co-signed a letter urging President Trump to encourage Turkey to end its offensive and find a peaceful resolution in Syria, emphasizing the need to support Kurdish partners for regional stability.

2019: Cosponsorship of bill on concealed carry rights

In 2019, Joni Ernst was one of 31 Republican cosponsors of a bill to grant those with concealed carry privileges in their home state the right to carry concealed weapons in other states with concealed carry laws.

2019: Politico Called Ernst a Reliable Vote for Trump's Agenda

In 2019, Politico described Joni Ernst as "a reliable vote for most of Trump's agenda."

2019: Rebuking Steve King

In 2019, amid extensive criticism of Steve King by Republican politicians after King made controversial remarks about white supremacy, Joni Ernst rebuked him.

2019: Report on alleged romantic relationships and conflicts of interest

In March 2025, ProPublica reported that Joni Ernst had romantic relationships with a "legislative affairs official" for the Navy in 2019 and "the general who oversaw" the Air Force's "lobbying before Congress" at some point before 2023; these relationships raised conflict of interest questions about Ernst, who was serving on the Armed Services Committee at the time.

January 2020: Support for assassination of Qasem Soleimani

In January 2020, Joni Ernst expressed support for the U.S. military's assassination of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani by drone strike at Baghdad International Airport.

January 2020: Petitioned Supreme Court on Roe v. Wade

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

February 2020: Vote to acquit Trump during impeachment trial

In February 2020, Joni Ernst voted to acquit President Trump on both articles of impeachment, arguing that he had learned his lesson. She also suggested that Joe Biden could potentially face impeachment if he became president due to his actions in Ukraine.

May 2020: Praise of Trump's COVID-19 response

In May 2020, Joni Ernst praised President Trump's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that "he was right on it from day one".

May 2020: Publication of memoir

In May 2020, Joni Ernst published her memoir, Daughter of the Heartland: My Ode to the Country That Raised Me.

May 2020: Vote on amendment regarding web search data collection

In May 2020, Joni Ernst voted for an amendment co-sponsored by Senators Steve Daines and Ron Wyden that would have required federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies to obtain federal court warrants when collecting web search engine data from American citizens, nationals, or residents under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

August 2020: COVID-19 Conspiracy Theory

In August 2020, when Iowa had the most new COVID-19 infections per capita of any state, Joni Ernst repeated a debunked conspiracy theory that the case numbers were greatly inflated.

September 2020: Low score from the League of Conservation Voters

As of September 2020, Joni Ernst has a 1% lifetime score from the environmentalist League of Conservation Voters.

September 2020: Supported Trump Nominee

In September 2020, after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, Joni Ernst said she supported Trump nominating a new justice before the November presidential election, despite opposing Obama's nominee in 2016.

October 2020: Voting Alignment with Trump

As of October 2020, Joni Ernst had voted in line with Donald Trump's positions 91.1% of the time.

2020: Non-endorsement in King's primary race

In 2020, Joni Ernst did not make an endorsement in Steve King's Republican primary race, which he lost.

2020: Reelection to the Senate

In 2020, Joni Ernst ran for reelection and defeated Democratic nominee Theresa Greenfield to retain her seat in the Senate.

May 28, 2021: Vote against independent commission for Capitol attack investigation

On May 28, 2021, Joni Ernst voted against creating an independent commission to investigate the January 6, 2021, United States Capitol attack.

August 2021: Criticism of U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan

In August 2021, Joni Ernst called the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan "rapid and haphazard" and "shameful", criticizing the Biden administration for removing troops before ensuring the safety of the U.S. embassy.

September 11, 2021: Biden's Agenda on 9/11 Anniversary

On September 11, 2021, President Biden visited three 9/11 crash sites in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, while Joni Ernst accused him of using federal mandates as a diversion away from the anniversary.

September 2021: Criticized Biden's Pandemic Initiative

In September 2021, Joni Ernst criticized President Joe Biden's "Path Out of the Pandemic" initiative, accusing him of overstepping presidential powers and "leading by coercion".

2021: Capitol Storming and Certification

In 2021, Joni Ernst participated in the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. She voted to support certification but opposed impeaching Trump.

November 29, 2022: Vote for the Respect for Marriage Act

On November 29, 2022, Joni Ernst was one of 12 Republican senators to vote for the Respect for Marriage Act, which passed the Senate.

2022: Projected increase in medical costs for Medicare beneficiaries

A CBO report found that Joni Ernst's plan would increase medical costs for Medicare beneficiaries 61% by 2022, compared with 27% under the existing structure.

2022: Support of Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade

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

October 2023: Congressional delegation visit to Israel

In October 2023, days after the start of the Gaza war, Joni Ernst led a congressional delegation to meetings with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders, stating the meetings were to reassure Israeli leadership of U.S. support.

2023: Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee

In 2023, Joni Ernst became the Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, and served until 2025.

2023: Report on alleged romantic relationships and conflicts of interest

In March 2025, ProPublica reported that Joni Ernst had romantic relationships with a "legislative affairs official" for the Navy in 2019 and "the general who oversaw" the Air Force's "lobbying before Congress" at some point before 2023; these relationships raised conflict of interest questions about Ernst, who was serving on the Armed Services Committee at the time.

February 2024: Vote for foreign aid bill including Ukraine support

In February 2024, Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley voted for a $95 billion foreign aid bill that included $60 billion to support Ukraine, asserting that it would allow America to push back against adversaries' aggression.

March 2024: Announced Candidacy for Senate Republican Conference Chair

In March 2024, Joni Ernst announced her candidacy for Senate Republican Conference chair in 2025.

July 2024: Calls for action against Hamas

In July 2024, Joni Ernst led a Republican press conference advocating for U.S. sanctions and weapons to help Israel defeat Hamas and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not attending Netanyahu's speech to Congress.

January 2025: Trump took office as president for the second time

In January 2025, after Trump took office as president for the second time, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) sought access to the sensitive systems of several U.S. government bodies, prompting multiple legal challenges.

February 2025: Support for DOGE's actions

In February 2025, Joni Ernst voiced support for the Department of Government Efficiency's actions, asserting that disruption was necessary to scrutinize records and expenditures.

March 2025: Report on alleged romantic relationships and conflicts of interest

In March 2025, ProPublica reported that Joni Ernst had romantic relationships with a "legislative affairs official" for the Navy in 2019 and "the general who oversaw" the Air Force's "lobbying before Congress" at some point before 2023; these relationships raised conflict of interest questions about Ernst, who was serving on the Armed Services Committee at the time.

2025: Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee

In 2025, Joni Ernst ended her time as Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, after holding the position since 2023.

2025: Introduction of the Food Security and Farm Protection Act

In 2025, Joni Ernst introduced the Food Security and Farm Protection Act, an updated version of the King Amendment and Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act aimed at prohibiting state and local governments from imposing production standards on agricultural goods sold in interstate commerce.