ASHEVILLE, NC — Former President Donald Trump lashed out at Democrats and praised Rep. Chuck Edwards on Sunday after a contentious town hall in Asheville, calling attendees “paid agitators” and accusing Democrats of exploiting public forums to cause “trouble.”
Key Points
- Trump praised Rep. Chuck Edwards after a rowdy town hall disrupted by protesters in Asheville.
- He accused attendees of being “paid agitators” sent by Democrats to cause trouble.
- Trump criticized Biden, FEMA, and Gov. Roy Cooper over hurricane response efforts in North Carolina.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he watched Edwards, a Republican congressman from North Carolina, host the event and claimed it was disrupted by “Radical Left Lunatics” who “scream, shout and use filthy language.” Trump alleged the protesters were not genuine constituents but “largely paid agitators, with fake signs and slogans.”
“Chuck put up with it, and was WONDERFUL!” Trump wrote, lauding Edwards’ demeanor during the event.
The former president also criticized President Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), claiming they “did nothing” for North Carolina following a recent hurricane that caused widespread damage in the state. Trump contrasted the federal response under his administration, saying, “we worked miracles, with ZERO HELP FROM THE DEMS.”
He further targeted North Carolina’s Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, alleging the governor failed to act and left Republican lawmakers to handle recovery efforts. “Also remember, you have a Democrat Governor who is supposed to be doing the work that Chuck, and other Republicans, are doing,” Trump added.
The remarks come as Edwards, who represents North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, has faced vocal opposition during several public appearances. Trump’s endorsement may signal continued support from the former president ahead of the 2024 general election cycle.
Trump ended the statement with a warning to Republican voters not to be misled by what he called “infiltrated Town Halls,” adding, “It’s the only thing the Dems know how to do.”