Sioux City Times

Joni Ernst, U.S. Senator representing Iowa, made several posts on her official X account on October 9, 2025, addressing government spending and the recent government shutdown.

In a post at 5:44 p.m. UTC, Ernst wrote, "President Trump is bringing peace!"

Later that day, at 6:10 p.m. UTC, she stated, "Yes, Mr. President!

I have $2 trillion worth of non-essential government spending that’s prime to be put on @russvought’s chopping block."

At 8:42 p.m. UTC, Ernst commented on the financial implications of the government shutdown, writing, "$2.8 billion.

That is how much taxpayers will pay 750,000 'non-essential' bureaucrats in backpay for NOT WORKING during the Schumer Shutdown.

Tomorrow, the cost goes up an additional $400 million."

Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills or continuing resolutions to fund federal government operations and agencies. During such periods, many federal employees are furloughed and classified as "non-essential," but are typically paid retroactively once a funding agreement is reached. The term "Schumer Shutdown" refers to Senator Chuck Schumer and is used by some lawmakers to assign blame for recent lapses in government funding negotiations.

Russ Vought, mentioned in one of Ernst's posts, served as Director of the Office of Management and Budget during the Trump administration and has been an advocate for reducing government spending and eliminating what he and some policymakers consider "non-essential" expenditures.