Joni Ernst’s Promises vs. Iowa’s Economic Reality: A Summary

In a recent tweet, Iowa politician Zach Wahls critically assessed the performance of senator Joni Ernst, who has been serving in Washington since her election. Wahls highlighted a stark contrast between Ernst’s campaign promises and the current economic standing of Iowa. His statement, "When Joni Ernst went to Washington, she promised to ‘make ‘em squeal,’" serves as a powerful critique of her tenure. He notes that, under her leadership, Iowa now ranks 48th in personal income, 49th in state GDP, and dead last in overall economy. This raises questions about the effectiveness of her policies, leading to Wahls’ conclusion that Ernst is "all squeal, no bacon."

The Context of Joni Ernst’s Campaign Promises

When Joni Ernst campaigned for the U.S. Senate in 2014, she was vocal about her commitment to improving Iowa’s economy. Her slogan "Make ‘em squeal" was indicative of her assertive approach toward tackling issues such as government waste, economic stagnation, and job creation. Ernst’s supporters believed that her military background and pragmatic approach would help her navigate the complexities of Washington and bring meaningful change to Iowa.

Iowa’s Economic Standing: A Closer Look

Despite these initial promises, Iowa’s current economic indicators paint a troubling picture. As of 2025, the state ranks 48th in personal income, which suggests that Iowans are earning less compared to other states. Furthermore, being 49th in state GDP indicates that Iowa’s economy is not growing at the same pace as many of its peers. Most alarmingly, the state is dead last in overall economic performance, which raises serious concerns about Ernst’s ability to deliver on her promises.

The Implications of Economic Decline

The economic decline in Iowa has far-reaching implications for its residents. Low personal income and GDP rankings can lead to diminished quality of life, reduced access to services, and increased financial strain on families. Jobs may be harder to come by, and local businesses could struggle to thrive. This situation may also contribute to a lack of investment in infrastructure and education, which are critical for long-term economic growth.

Public Response and Political Accountability

Wahls’ tweet has sparked a conversation about political accountability. Many constituents are questioning whether their elected officials are truly representing their interests. As economic conditions worsen, the pressure increases on politicians like Ernst to deliver tangible results. Public sentiment is crucial in shaping political discourse, and Wahls’ commentary encapsulates the frustration many Iowans feel regarding their economic situation.

The Importance of Economic Policy

Effective economic policy is essential for the growth and stability of any state. Joni Ernst’s tenure has raised questions about her economic strategies and their effectiveness. Critics argue that policymakers need to focus on sustainable solutions, such as investing in education, infrastructure, and technology. These areas can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

A Call for Change

Wahls’ tweet serves as a clarion call for change in Iowa’s leadership. As residents face economic challenges, it becomes increasingly important for politicians to be held accountable for their promises. Voters are encouraged to scrutinize not just campaign rhetoric but also the actual results delivered during a politician’s time in office. The disparity between Ernst’s promises and Iowa’s current economic standing highlights the necessity for effective governance and responsible leadership.

Conclusion: A Need for Effective Leadership

In summary, Joni Ernst’s journey in Washington is marked by a significant gap between her promises and the reality of Iowa’s economic conditions. The rankings cited by Zach Wahls indicate a troubling trend that demands attention and action. As Iowans grapple with these challenges, the need for effective leadership becomes paramount. It is crucial for elected officials to prioritize policies that genuinely benefit their constituents and foster economic growth. Moving forward, the voice of the public will play a vital role in shaping the future of Iowa’s political landscape and economic recovery.

When Joni Ernst went to Washington, she promised to “make ‘em squeal.”

Today? Iowa is 48th in personal income. 49th in state GDP. And dead last in overall economy. 

Turns out she’s all squeal, no bacon. pic.twitter.com/VFIs4CCPbP

— Zach Wahls (@ZachWahls) June 17, 2025

When Joni Ernst Went to Washington, She Promised to “Make ‘Em Squeal”

When Joni Ernst went to Washington, she promised to “make ‘em squeal.” Those words echoed through the halls of Congress as she took office, representing Iowa with a bold agenda. But how have those promises held up in the reality of political governance? As we dive into the current state of Iowa’s economy, it seems that the squealing may be more about frustration than success.

Joni Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the U.S. Senate, came into office with a strong message of fiscal responsibility and economic growth. She aimed to shake things up and bring home the bacon, claiming she would fight for Iowans. However, recent statistics paint a starkly different picture of economic performance in the state.

Today? Iowa Is 48th in Personal Income

Fast forward to today, and Iowa ranks 48th in personal income in the United States. That’s right—48th! This ranking has significant implications for the residents of Iowa. It affects everything from the quality of life to the ability to invest in education and infrastructure. It’s a tough pill for many Iowans to swallow, especially those who were hopeful when Ernst took office.

A report from the [U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis](https://www.bea.gov/) reveals that personal income levels have remained stagnant, failing to grow at the pace necessary to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living. Iowans are feeling the pinch, and it’s clear that the promises made aren’t translating into the financial relief or growth that was anticipated.

49th in State GDP

Adding to the woes, Iowa currently sits at 49th in state GDP. This ranking is troubling because GDP is a critical measure of a state’s economic health. It reflects the total value of all goods and services produced and is a key indicator of economic activity. When a state lags behind in GDP, it often suggests that businesses are struggling to thrive or that there aren’t enough jobs to support the population.

Critics argue that the policies and initiatives pushed by Ernst and her peers have not created the environment necessary for businesses to flourish. [The Iowa Economic Development Authority](https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/) has highlighted the need for innovation and investment to revitalize the economy, but many believe that the current leadership has not prioritized these essential areas.

Dead Last in Overall Economy

To add insult to injury, Iowa now ranks dead last in overall economy. This statistic is shocking and raises questions about the effectiveness of the leadership that Iowans have entrusted with their future. The promise of economic growth and prosperity seems to have fizzled out, leaving many feeling disillusioned.

A closer look at the numbers reveals a troubling trend: job creation has stagnated, and many skilled workers are leaving the state for better opportunities elsewhere. According to a recent [Iowa Workforce Development](https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/) report, the out-migration of talent is at an all-time high, and it’s detrimental to the state’s growth.

Turns Out She’s All Squeal, No Bacon

So, what does this all mean? The phrase “turns out she’s all squeal, no bacon” encapsulates the sentiment of many Iowans who feel let down by their senator’s promises. It highlights the frustration of citizens who expected real change and economic improvement but instead found a state grappling with stagnation.

In the realm of politics, promises are often made in good faith, but delivering on those promises is another story. Ernst’s initial message of making “em squeal” was appealing, but the lack of tangible results has left many Iowans feeling skeptical about future promises.

What’s Next for Iowa?

With Iowa facing these economic challenges, the question arises: What’s next? How can Iowa improve its standing in personal income, GDP, and overall economic health? It starts with recognizing the issues and prioritizing actionable solutions that can lead to positive change.

Investing in education and workforce development is crucial. By equipping residents with the skills needed for today’s job market, Iowa can attract businesses and boost economic growth. Additionally, fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation could help revitalize the economy.

Local leaders and lawmakers must collaborate to create policies that support small businesses and promote investment in infrastructure. According to [the Small Business Administration](https://www.sba.gov/), small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and supporting them can lead to job creation and economic stability.

Engaging the Community

Engaging the community is also vital. Iowans need to be part of the conversation about their economic future. Public forums, town hall meetings, and open discussions can help bridge the gap between politicians and constituents. By listening to the concerns and ideas of the community, lawmakers can create more effective policies that resonate with the needs of the people they represent.

Social media platforms, like the one where Zach Wahls shared his critical tweet, can also serve as a powerful tool for engagement. These platforms allow for real-time feedback and discussions, helping to hold elected officials accountable.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

The current economic state of Iowa is a wake-up call. It’s essential for leaders like Joni Ernst to recognize the discrepancies between promises and reality. Iowans deserve better than empty words; they deserve action and results.

As the state continues to struggle with poor rankings in personal income, state GDP, and overall economy, it’s time to shift focus toward tangible solutions. By prioritizing education, fostering innovation, and engaging with the community, Iowa can work toward a brighter future that fulfills the promises made by its leaders.

In the end, the journey toward economic recovery will require collective effort and commitment from both leaders and the community. Together, there’s hope that Iowa can rise from the current challenges and create a thriving environment for all its residents.