In an exclusive statement to Newsweek, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) said it plans to place a billboard slamming President Donald Trump‘s much-debated financial package dubbed the “big, beautiful bill,” directly outside the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines—where the president is scheduled to speak on Thursday.
Why It Matters
The DNC’s actions highlight widening fault lines not just between the major parties, but also within Republican ranks. While GOP leadership aimed to rally around Trump’s budget proposal—including planned changes to Medicaid—several House Republicans expressed opposition to the scale and impact of the reforms, leading to open debates and delays.
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk added to the tension, using his social media platform to criticize party leaders and amplify divisions over the bill, even pledging to support primary challengers to Republicans who vote in favor of the legislation.
This is not the first time Democrats have used billboards or aerial banners to target Trump and his allies over policy. In April, Democrats launched a “Qatar-a-Lago” banner near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate on Palm Beach in Florida after backlash over a luxury plane gifted to the U.S. by the Middle Eastern nation.
What To Know
The billboard is designed to rip Trump as well as Iowa Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, who voted in favor of the legislation Tuesday.
After a marathon “vote-a-rama” earlier this week, the Senate narrowly passed the bill, with a tiebreaking vote from Vice President JD Vance, sending it back to the House for final deliberations.
Over a month ago, Ernst responded to concerns of potential Medicaid cuts in a town hall, saying in part, “Well, we are all going to die.”
Ernst’s office then lightly walked back the comment in an effort to smooth over her words, saying it was an attempt to make a broader philosophical point about mortality and not directly about the Medicaid provision.
The Trump-backed bill has sparked widespread concerns over health care coverage, specifically Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The bill, if passed, would mandate that recipients of Medicaid work for at least 80 hours a month.
“Make no mistake: Regardless of what Trump or Ernst think, gutting Medicaid is a life or death matter for many Americans — and Republicans are making it crystal clear that they do not care,” the DNC said in a release to Newsweek. “Now, as Trump visits the Iowa state fairgrounds, on the drive in, Iowans will be reminded about how Trump and Ernst don’t give a damn about them.”
The president is set to speak at “A New Era of American Greatness: America250’s Kick-Off Celebration” in Des Moines around 7:30 p.m. CT Thursday.
“I am thrilled to announce that I will be traveling to one of my favorite places in the World, beautiful Iowa, on Thursday, July 3rd, to kick off the very beginning of our exciting Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary,” the president said on Truth Social Monday.
“Iowa voted for me THREE TIMES, because they love my Policies for our Wonderful Farmers and Small Businesses, and they LOVE AMERICA! This will be a very special event, honoring our Great Country, and our Brave Heroes who fought to keep us FREE. You can RSVP to join me here — See you there! I’ll also tell you some of the GREAT things I’ve already done on Trade, especially as it relates to Farmers. You are going to be very happy with what I say — Should be a BIG Crowd,” the president concluded in his post.
What People Are Saying
DNC Chair Ken Martin, in a released statement to Newsweek: “As Trump prepares to visit the Iowa fairgrounds today, Iowans will be reminded that Republicans like Trump and Ernst don’t give a damn about whether their own constituents live or die as long as the richest few get richer. Iowans will hold Republicans like Ernst accountable in the 2026 midterms.”
Trump, on Truth Social Wednesday, ahead of the final House vote on the bill: “THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL DEAL IS ALL ABOUT GROWTH. IF PASSED, AMERICA WILL HAVE AN ECONOMIC RENAISSANCE LIKE NEVER BEFORE. IT IS ALREADY HAPPENING, JUST IN ANTICIPATION OF THE BEAUTIFUL BILL. DEFICIT CUT IN HALF, RECORD INVESTMENT — CASH, FACTORIES, JOBS POURING INTO THE USA. MAGA!!!”
Ernst, in a statement on Tuesday after the Senate passed the bill: “President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill delivers on what Iowans voted for in November, keeping more money in hardworking folks’ pockets, real border security, and a safer America.”
The Iowa senator added: “In addition to the largest tax cut in history for our families, farmers, and small businesses, the bill strengthens the integrity of Medicaid and prioritizes those who truly need help by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. I am proud to have fought to save $100 million for taxpayers over the next decade and eliminated unfair practices in the FAFSA [Free Application for Federal Student Aid] process that held back farm families from investing in their child’s education. I will always fight to improve Iowans’ lives and continue to lead the charge in Washington to reduce reckless spending and put taxpayers first.”
What Happens Next
The outcome of the bill remained uncertain Wednesday night and is expected to have a pronounced impact on the 2026 midterm electoral landscape.
Further, with Musk and other high-profile figures intensifying the public debate, scrutiny from both parties is anticipated to escalate as the election season ramps up.