U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) recently took to social media to criticize California's current state, tweeting, "The California crazy train is coming to a squealing halt!🐷🚂" The tweet, which included a pig and train emoji, appears to reference long-standing criticisms of the state's policies, particularly those impacting agriculture and its broader economic health. Senator Ernst has been a vocal opponent of California's Proposition 12, which sets animal welfare standards for pork and other livestock, arguing it negatively impacts producers in other states.
Recent economic forecasts and data for California indicate a mixed but challenging outlook, lending some context to Senator Ernst's strong remarks. The UCLA Anderson Forecast's second quarterly report of 2025 described a "sobering view" for the state's economy, noting a "mild contraction" and job losses. California reportedly shed 50,000 payroll jobs in the first four months of 2025, with its unemployment rate remaining above 5.3%, significantly higher than the national average.
This economic slowdown is compounded by chronic multi-billion-dollar state budget deficits. Despite California's position as the world's fourth-largest economy, its fiscal health has been a persistent concern for policymakers. Consumer sentiment in California also saw a notable decline in March 2025, according to a Stanford survey, reflecting growing pessimism among residents regarding the overall economy.
Senator Ernst's critique aligns with her consistent narrative that California's "liberal agenda," including high taxes and stringent environmental regulations, contributes to its economic woes. She has previously criticized the state's push for electric vehicles and other "radical environmental policies," asserting they can have negative ripple effects nationwide. The "squealing halt" phrase in her tweet underscores her belief that these policies are leading to a downturn for the Golden State.
While some official state sources maintain California is cementing its role as a global economic powerhouse, the internal challenges of job stagnation, budget shortfalls, and declining consumer confidence provide a backdrop for the ongoing political debate surrounding the state's direction and its impact on the nation.