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Local voices matter. Help us amplify them by contributing to your local newsroom. DECORAH — U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson faced a contentious crowd Wednesday, May 28, during a town hall at Luther College, where voters in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District pressed her on immigration, tax policy, government transparency and her support for former President Donald Trump. The event, part of Hinson's promise to hold a public forum in every county of her district each term, began with prepared remarks emphasizing her commitment to accessibility. "Ensuring that I am transparent and accessible to you is a cornerstone of how I do my job," she told the audience, noting she has already visited all 22 counties this term. Audience reactions quickly turned combative as Hinson discussed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a sweeping GOP-backed package aimed at extending 2017 Trump-era tax cuts, bolstering border security and slashing federal spending. She also cited Trump's early phases of leadership, stating, "God saved President Trump's life in Butler, Pennsylvania, for a reason," and credited his policies with cutting inflation and border crossings. The crowd responded with boos "We were seeing an open border, high inflation," Hinson began. "The president is, I believe, fighting for you and fighting for me," she added, prompting an overwhelming portion of the audience to shout, "No!" Hinson continued to defend the legislation, claiming that allowing the Trump tax cuts to expire would raise taxes on working families. "A family of four making $69,384, which is the median income in this district, would see a tax increase of $1,358," she said. She also emphasized the bill's protections for tips, overtime and seniors earning under $75,000. The "Big Beautiful Bill" aims to make permanent the tax cuts enacted by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. While the bill includes provisions to extend these cuts, the specific claim that a family of four earning $69,384 would see a $1,358 tax increase if the cuts expire is a projection and may vary based on individual circumstances. During the question-and-answer portion, constituents raised concerns over government corruption, reductions to social programs, and Hinson's silence on controversial actions during Trump's presidency. One attendee referenced a luxury jet reportedly gifted by Qatar and cryptocurrency fundraising linked to Trump, asking, "Can you help me understand why you are silent about this corruption?" "I think it's really unfair to imply that I like to see corruption in Washington, D.C.," Hinson replied. "I'm here answering your questions in public because I care about transparency and accountability." The crowd remained skeptical. "You are a fraud," some attendees shouted later in the event, after Hinson refused to endorse impeachment of Trump officials over alleged violations of court orders. "I don't think this country needs another impeachment charade," she responded. One Decorah attendee asked if Medicaid would be cut under the proposed legislation. Hinson said the bill exempts the "medically frail and disabled" from new work requirements. "We need to make sure that the benefits are there for people like you," she said. Pastor Mike Wilker of First Lutheran Church urged Hinson to support the Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA), citing a longstanding community tradition of resettling U.S. allies. Hinson reiterated her position that refugee programs must prioritize safety and vetting. "We need to make sure that people who are coming here are properly vetted so that they are who they say they are," she said. Agricultural policy was another focus, with Hinson voicing support for ethanol policy reforms and opposition to California's animal welfare laws that affect Iowa pork producers. She called the annual E15 fuel waiver process "ridiculous" and advocated for permanent legislation. Several attendees also expressed concerns about cuts to research funding, international development agencies and climate programs. One called the budget proposals a "destruction in force." Hinson defended the moves as necessary to rein in the national debt and eliminate "waste, fraud and abuse." Elevate your inbox with the DecorahNews.com newsletter! Receive free thought-provoking articles, actionable advice and inspiring stories every week.

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Crowd Presses Hinson on Trump, Taxes and Transparency in Decorah