Sioux City Times

Senator Joni Ernst, representing Iowa, shared a series of posts on her social media account in July 2025, addressing local traditions and federal spending initiatives.

On July 18, Ernst acknowledged an annual Iowa event by stating, "Good luck to all the riders competing in RAGBRAI, one of Iowa's great traditions and a true test of endurance!" RAGBRAI is known as the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, an event that draws participants from across the country each summer.

Shifting focus to federal issues on July 21, Ernst commented on infrastructure spending: "Another win for taxpayers. For years, I’ve been fighting to defund the California crazy train to nowhere and now the Trump admin is bringing it to a squealing halt. Time to defund more boondoggles!" The "California crazy train" refers to California's high-speed rail project, which has faced cost overruns and delays since its inception. In previous years, Republican lawmakers have opposed continued federal funding for this initiative.

Later that day, Ernst criticized overseas expenditures under President Joe Biden's administration: "Joe Biden used your tax dollars to renovate pools around the world. I am stopping the splashy spending!" This remark aligns with ongoing debates about foreign aid allocations and how U.S. taxpayer funds are utilized internationally.

RAGBRAI remains a prominent cultural event in Iowa and reflects Senator Ernst’s engagement with state traditions. Her comments regarding federal projects highlight persistent partisan divides over infrastructure priorities and government spending at home and abroad.