House Republicans are being advised to avoid in-person town halls following a series of confrontations between lawmakers and constituents. National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chair Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) reportedly told GOP lawmakers in a closed-door meeting that telephone town halls and small group meetings were more effective ways to engage with voters.
Hudson suggested that recent disruptions were orchestrated, a stance echoed by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who argued that open forums provide a platform for "professional protesters," as NBC News reports. Without offering evidence he added that "they're literally paying protesters," a sentiment echoed by former President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social that "paid 'troublemakers' are attending Republican Town Hall Meetings:"
