Rep. Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, faced sharp pushback this week during a town hall in Casper, where frustrated constituents challenged her defense of some of Trump’s most controversial policies.
Hageman, the state’s lone House member, opened Monday’s event with remarks about her work in Congress, but tension quickly surfaced when a constituent pressed her on tariffs. “Who’s responsible for establishing tariffs in our country?” the man asked.
The congresswoman began to answer, “Right now, the president has taken that authority, but I’m not sure when we go back,” before she was met with loud boos from the audience. Constitutionally, Congress holds the power to set tariffs, though it can delegate authority to the president under certain conditions.
The questioner persisted, asking why Trump assumed the power. “You’re going to have to ask him,” Hageman replied. The man shot back, “You guys gave it to him,” earning cheers and applause.
Hageman defended Trump’s approach, saying, “I dispute that,” and claimed tariffs had raised “over $150 billion.” But when the man responded, “Who pays for them? We pay for them,” the audience jeers grew louder. Her attempt to argue that inflation had not increased was drowned out by more shouting.
The heated exchanges did not stop there. A live stream of the event showed another constituent pressing Hageman on Trump’s push to eliminate mail-in ballots. “Our democracy is built on secure and accessible voting, where do you stand personally… and how do you defend the charge that it’s more than a policy choice but a push for authoritarian control that undermines elections?” the attendee asked.
Hageman’s response was quickly interrupted by shouts of “Lies!” from the crowd. Another person questioned her credibility outright, saying, “How can I tell that anything you say is true? How can I have any trust in you, my representative?”
This marked at least the third time this year Hageman has been booed at a public event. Just last week, she faced backlash while defending the Trump administration’s plan to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency’s Endangerment Finding, which labeled greenhouse gases a threat to public health. “False science,” she said at the time, drawing boos.
On Facebook after Monday’s town hall, she struck a positive tone, writing, “I am appreciative of those who came out to have a meaningful discussion about what matters most to you.”
In an interview with Wyoming News Now, Hageman attributed much of the hostility to outside influence. “I could also tell that there were probably professional agitators in that room,” she said. Still, she added, “I don’t mind if people criticize me… I can learn from people as well.”