Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

Farmer Rebukes Rep. Mark Alford in Viral Missouri Town Hall Exchange

The exchange at a rare in-person GOP forum highlighted constituent frustration amplified by a short video.

Republican Rep. Mark Alford addresses attendees at a town hall, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Bolivar, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
People listen as Republican Rep. Mark Alford addresses attendees at a town hall, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Bolivar, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
People listen as Republican Rep. Mark Alford addresses attendees at a town hall, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Bolivar, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Overview

  • At an Aug. 26 town hall in Bolivar on Southwest Baptist University’s campus, Fred Higginbotham told Alford he was “pissed,” called President Donald Trump a “dictator,” and urged the congressman to “take your head out of Trump’s ass.”
  • Higginbotham said he is at risk of losing his family farm, blamed federal cuts and policy choices affecting USDA support, and urged higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy.
  • Alford responded calmly, thanked him by name, and said his staff would follow up about the farm while emphasizing his desire for direct communication.
  • A clip of the exchange, posted via Acyn using C‑SPAN footage, drew wide attention on social platforms as cheers from the room echoed online.
  • The moment reflects a year of contentious Republican town halls, and Alford is continuing an in‑district tour with 15 in‑person meetings scheduled this week.