Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, spoke with Newsmax on Monday about Chinese President Xi Jinping's "unique relationship" with her state.
The senator's interview on "The Record With Greta Van Susteren" comes after reports of the United States and China agreeing to pause reciprocal tariffs for 90-days while a more permanent trade deal is worked out.
In 1985, Ernst told Susteren, Xi "actually did spend quite a bit of time in Iowa when he was a young provincial governor and did develop a relationship with the people of Iowa while he was living in an agricultural community on the eastern side of our state."
"So I've actually served in the state Senate when we hosted a state dinner for then-Vice President Xi, when he visited us in Iowa, just a little over a decade and a half ago," the congresswoman added. "So, yes, a very unique relationship."
Ernst went on to add that people of Iowa nonetheless "understand the need to push back against China and the way they have treated the American farmer."
According to Iowa Public Radio, the Midwest state is a "top producer of corn, soybeans, and pork" and relies heavily on trade. On Friday, local news station 9 KCRG reported that Iowa farmers were already feeling optimistic about the upcoming U.S.-China trade talks, prior to the announcement of the partial tariff pause.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Nick Koutsobinas ✉
Nick Koutsobinas, a Newsmax writer, has years of news reporting experience. A graduate from Missouri State University’s philosophy program, he focuses on exposing corruption and censorship.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.