Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) faced a fiery backlash at a town hall in Laramie on Wednesday night, as the crowd erupted in anger over her defense of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and her support for the Trump administration’s agenda.
The Wyoming congresswoman tried to justify the actions of President Trump’s administration, including her vote for the Laken Riley Act. But her remarks were met with fierce boos and loud protests from the crowd, which made it clear they weren’t having it.
Hageman’s defense of DOGE was where things really boiled over. “DOGE is not dismantling Social Security, and even with reconciliation, we are not allowed to touch Social Security,” she said, only to be drowned out by jeers and boos.
At one point, an attendee shouted, “He Came From South Africa! He wasn’t Even Elected!” referring to Elon Musk, Trump’s close adviser who oversees the advisory board accused of firing thousands of federal workers. The crowd quickly joined in chanting “Deport Elon! Deport Elon! Deport Elon!”
A former government worker took the mic, blasting Hageman over DOGE’s actions, which have been condemned by Democrats and activists across the country. “I was fired from the Department of Agriculture despite having top performance reviews. You’re in a state where farmers depend on government relief—what are you doing to protect those programs?” the woman demanded. The crowd erupted in support.
Hageman’s response was dismissive: “I disagree,” she said, while the boos continued. “I come from the ag community. I am well aware of what kind of programs are out there.” She then claimed that small businesses and farmers would thrive in a less-regulated environment, despite the crowd’s clear disapproval.
When asked if DOGE could be implemented in Wyoming, Hageman said, “That’s up to all of you,” but insisted the board’s purpose was simply to hold government accountable.
On the issue of staffing at Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, Hageman reassured the crowd that the Department of the Interior was already hiring 5,000 seasonal employees. However, reports show the administration plans a 30 percent payroll cut at the National Park Service—though this won’t directly impact staffing levels.
The hostile crowd of over 500 people made it clear they weren’t buying Hageman’s message, prompting her to walk off the stage.
This town hall followed a similar confrontation the day before, when Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) was met with angry opposition from his own constituents over Trump’s policies, including his tariff agenda and Musk’s role in government changes.
Catch a glimpse of the heated town hall in the video below:
