House Republicans who faced hostile crowds and viral confrontations at town halls in their districts are defending their decision to hold the events — despite recommendations from House GOP leaders to avoid them.

“I think that was able to show folks that Republicans can and should stand our ground,” Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) said.

Edwards, at his Ashville town hall last week, faced boos and a swarm of protesters who were angry about his support for President Trump, and about cuts pushed by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“I went toe-to-toe with the progressive left, all 12 rounds. I believe that there were some media vehicles out there that helped me communicate effectively the things that we were doing. … I would certainly do it again,” Edwards told The Hill in an interview.

House Republican leaders had warned members earlier this month that coordinated activists and protesters would derail the events, and argued that members could reach more constituents and voters with live-streamed or tele-town halls instead.

Protests are exactly what happened at the town halls for several Republicans who chose to face in-person crowds during a week-and-a-half break from Washington, with progressive groups like Indivisible and local Democratic groups encouraging activists to turn up at the events.

Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.), despite calling for civility at the start of the event and talking about his focus on the national debt, also faced boos at a raucous town hall this week. In addition to concerns about Musk and DOGE, attendees accused him of not........

© The Hill