Here’s what conservatives need to know.
House Republicans are being advised to move away from in-person town halls and instead focus on phone-based or livestream events. This recommendation comes after recent GOP town halls were disrupted by angry constituents and activists, raising concerns about the Trump administration’s actions to overhaul the federal government.
During a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) recommended that House members avoid the potential chaos of in-person gatherings. Instead, he encouraged them to utilize tele-town halls or livestream events, which offer the benefit of reaching a broader audience and avoiding disruption from left-wing activists.
This guidance follows incidents at several GOP lawmakers’ town halls across the country, where attendees voiced concerns about the direction of the Trump administration, particularly the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These town halls, held in states like Texas, Wisconsin, and Georgia, became flashpoints for heated exchanges.
Republicans have criticized these disruptions, often blaming organized efforts from Democratic groups. President Trump himself accused “paid troublemakers” of orchestrating these interruptions, accusing them of hijacking the events for political gain.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) noted that leadership has urged Republicans to be more selective in their town hall planning, citing instances where paid protesters—rather than actual constituents—showed up at events. “They’re doing this to cause chaos, and it’s creating a dangerous environment,” Burchett said, citing personal experiences where his family was targeted.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) supported the shift toward virtual communication in a press conference, emphasizing that Republicans should explore alternative channels like small group discussions, tele-town halls, or community-focused events. “This is about making sure we’re connecting with real constituents, not getting caught in orchestrated disruptions for the cameras,” he explained.
Despite this strategy, Democrats have criticized the move. DCCC spokesperson Viet Shelton mocked the GOP, suggesting they were avoiding their constituents altogether. “House Republicans are hiding from their voters and trying to avoid hard questions,” Shelton said.
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), who has faced personal harassment from activists, expressed support for the new approach. “In-person town halls are being hijacked by Soros-backed operatives whose goal is to disrupt, not engage,” Boebert stated. “Tele-town halls allow me to reach thousands more constituents and keep the conversation productive, without worrying about security risks.”
While some Republican lawmakers are already embracing virtual town halls, others remain critical of the need to adapt. However, the trend reflects growing concerns about safety and the difficulty of holding productive in-person events amid increasing political polarization and organized protests. For now, many Republicans believe their best option is to reach their base through safer, more controlled environments.