Senator Joni Ernst is pushing aggressively amid the ongoing government shutdown, calling for $2 trillion in federal spending cuts and pressuring the Trump administration to turn the screws on Washington insiders.
In a statement Tuesday, Ernst argued that deep cuts are essential to force political realism in budget talks, and she urged the White House to make federal agencies “feel the pain” until lawmakers concede. She said the shutdown “exposes the rot” in D.C. and insisted that only bold fiscal action can restore trust in government.
Ernst’s demand adds to mounting pressure on Republicans to deliver a clear plan—not only to reopen federal operations, but also to restructure federal spending dramatically. Her remarks reflect a hardline stance within GOP ranks that is likely to complicate any softer negotiations.