Show Notes
Guest Senator Joni Ernst (www.ernst.senate.gov) from Iowa joins Liberty & Justice with Matt Whitaker. Joni and Matt discuss the war in Ukraine, Inflation, the economy and the Great State of Iowa.This week’s episode is sponsored by SAVE MISSOURI VALUES PAC.
About Joni
Senator Joni Ernst, native of Red Oak, Iowa, has dedicated her life to her state and country, having served in the military for over 23 years and now representing Iowans in the United States Senate. Joni is working to grow a strong economy; stand up for Iowa farmers, families, and small businesses; hold Washington accountable, ensure a strong national defense, and support our veterans.
Born: July 1, 1970 in Red Oak
Residence: Red Oak, Iowa
Committees: Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Environment and Public Works; Small
Business and Entrepreneurship
Education: Iowa State University (B.A.), Columbus State University (M.PA.)
Early Life
Born and raised on a farm in Montgomery County, Joni’s parents instilled in her the values important to
Iowans: hard work, service, and sacrifice. After graduating top of her class at Stanton High School, Joni
went on to Iowa State University where she joined the university’s ROTC program.
Military Career
After graduating from Iowa State, Joni joined the U.S. Army Reserves. In 2003, she served as a company
commander in Kuwait and Iraq, leading 150 Iowa Army National Guardsmen during Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Joni retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard after 23 years of military
service.
Public Service
Known for her independent leadership and commitment to public service, Joni previously served as the
Montgomery County Auditor where she worked to eliminate wasteful government spending and protect
taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars, and was the local commissioner of elections. As a state senator, Joni
fought to balance the state budget and helped turn Iowa’s $900 million budget deficit into a $1 billion
surplus. In November 2014, Joni was elected as the first woman to serve in federal elected office from the State of Iowa and also became the first female combat veteran elected to serve in the United States Senate.
Family Life
Joni still lives in Red Oak, not far from the family farm where she grew up, and near her family. Her
daughter Libby is a cadet at The United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
This week’s episode is sponsored by SAVE MISSOURI VALUES PAC.
Matthew G. Whitaker was acting Attorney General of the United States (2018-2019). Prior to becoming acting Attorney General, Mr. Whitaker served as Chief of Staff to the Attorney General. He was appointed as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa by President George W. Bush, serving from 2004-2009. Whitaker was the managing partner of Des Moines based law firm, Whitaker Hagenow & Gustoff LLP from 2009 until rejoining DOJ in 2017. He was also the Executive Director for FACT, The Foundation for Accountability & Civic Trust, an ethics and accountability watchdog, between 2014 and 2017. Mr. Whitaker is Author of the book--Above the Law, The Inside Story of How the Justice Department Tried to Subvert President Trump.
Mr. Whitaker graduated with a Master of Business Administration, Juris Doctor, and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa. While at Iowa, Mr. Whitaker was a three-year letterman on the football team where he received the prestigious Big Ten Medal of Honor.
Mr. Whitaker is now a Co-Chair of the Center for Law and Justice at America First Policy Institute and a Senior Fellow at the American Conservative Union Foundation. Matt is on the Board of Directors for America First Legal Foundation and is a Senior Advisor to IronGate Capital Advisors. He is also Of Counsel with the Graves Garrett law firm. Whitaker appears regularly to discuss legal and political issues on Fox News, Newsmax and other news outlets. He splits his time between Iowa, Florida and Washington, D.C.
