Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., faced a rowdy crowd at a town hall with constituents Thursday evening, the latest such event to go viral on social media as Republicans face backlash over President Donald Trump’s mass layoffs of federal workers and budget cuts.
In video captured by NBC News affiliate WYFF, Edwards spoke in front of a packed auditorium in Asheville, North Carolina — until he was drowned out by the jeers of attendees.
“I was proud to vote recently for the House budget resolution, which provides the framework” — Edwards told the crowd before cutting himself off as boos washed over him, while other attendees raised their hands to give him a thumbs-down.
Afterward, Edwards was greeted outside by protesters holding Ukrainian and Palestinian flags and signs that read “Fire Elon,” referring to Trump adviser Elon Musk, who has led the Department of Government Efficiency’s effort to fire thousands of federal workers in recent weeks.
Edwards represents North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, a solidly Republican area that includes Asheville and surrounding rural communities. The congressman won it by more than 13 percentage points in 2024.
But he decided to hold Thursday’s town hall after the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, which works to get Republicans elected to the House, advised Republican lawmakers against doing such in-person meetings because of repeated constituent confrontations. House Speaker Mike Johnson.R-La., also cautioned lawmakers against holding such open forums to connect with their constituents.
In a statement to NBC News on Friday, Edwards said, “Being accessible, listening, and answering questions for the people of Western North Carolina are among my favorite activities. We may not agree on every issue, but hearing the concerns of Western North Carolinians and answering their questions will continue to be a priority of mine.”
“I was able to answer questions from multiple different constituents at the town hall, and dispel some of the misinformation currently being spread around. I look forward to doing so again soon at my upcoming tele-town hall,” the congressman added.
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