Rep. Chuck Edwards Faces Protests at Asheville Town Hall Over Trump Ties and Budget Cuts

Donald Trump defends Edwards, accusing protesters of being paid agitators, as Republicans debate strategies for public engagement in divided areas.

Rep. Chuck Edwards encountered boos and protests at a town hall in Asheville, North Carolina, over his support for Trump and federal budget cuts led by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Donald Trump praised Edwards for his handling of the event, calling him a 'total gentleman' and accusing protesters of being 'paid agitators' and 'Radical Left Lunatics.'
Trump alleged that the town hall was infiltrated by Democrats using fake signs and slogans, though no evidence was provided to substantiate these claims.
Edwards defended his decision to hold in-person town halls despite Republican leaders warning about potential disruptions, framing it as standing firm against progressive opposition.
The contentious event has sparked broader discussions within the Republican Party about the risks and benefits of in-person public engagement in politically divided areas like Asheville.