US Rep. Harriet Hageman’s recent town hall at the Laramie Plains Civic Center drew a packed and highly vocal audience, reflecting a sharp political divide in Wyoming.
While some attendees supported the congresswoman, the event was largely dominated by vocal opposition, with many expressing frustration over her positions and affiliation with President Donald Trump.
Originally planned for a smaller venue, the event was moved to the Gryphon Theatre due to an unexpectedly large turnout. The historic theater was filled to capacity, with attendees displaying both protest signs and pro-Trump merchandise. As Hageman took the stage, she was met with a mix of cheers and boos, with the latter often overpowering attempts at civil discourse.
“This is what democracy is about,” Hageman stated at the beginning of the event. “I know some people here don’t agree with me, but others do, and we should all respect the process.”
Hageman used the event to discuss key legislative efforts, including her support for the Laken Riley Act, a bill that mandates detention for undocumented immigrants arrested for certain crimes. However, as soon as she introduced the topic, the crowd erupted into jeers, leading to a tense back-and-forth.
She also detailed her work on budget resolutions, government spending, and border security, but the interruptions persisted. At one point, Hageman challenged the audience:
“I’ll give you 30 seconds to get the yelling out of your system.”
The crowd momentarily quieted before the exchanges resumed.
A particularly contentious topic was the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative supported by Trump’s administration that aims to reduce federal spending. When asked if DOGE could be implemented permanently in Wyoming, Hageman responded that it was up to the people, prompting another wave of outcries.
Once the floor opened for questions, the crowd remained divided. Some constituents pressed Hageman on Social Security, climate policies, and government transparency. A federal employee who had recently lost her job questioned Hageman about DOGE’s impact on government jobs, to which Hageman responded:
“Yes, I know what DOGE is doing, and I’m not scared.”
The conversation became particularly intense when Hageman was asked about press freedom and First Amendment rights under the current administration. Before she could fully answer, chants of “January 6th” erupted in reference to the 2021 Capitol riot.
Other topics included funding for Wyoming’s national parks and the impact of tariffs on local agriculture, with Hageman arguing that deregulation would ultimately benefit farmers and ranchers in the long run.
State officials and political figures offered contrasting views on the event. Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray praised Hageman for standing firm, stating:
“Radical leftists tried to shut her down, but she refused to let them win.”
Conversely, Albany County Democratic Chair Klaus Halbsgut expressed disappointment over the night’s disorder.
“This is not how we should engage in political discourse,” he said.
David Wilhelms, who helped organize a pre-town hall protest, said he had hoped for a more productive discussion but was disheartened by the evening’s tone.
“Hageman’s condescending responses didn’t help,” he noted.
Despite the contentious atmosphere, Hageman stated afterward that she would continue hosting town halls.
“I’m not going to let a small, radical group dictate how I conduct myself,” she said.
With input from Laramie Boomerang and Cowboy State Daily.
