Elon Musk’s involvement is affecting GOP lawmakers at town halls

GOP lawmakers are finding themselves increasingly under attack at their own town halls by their own constituents.

At various GOP-led town halls in red states like Texas, constituents are voicing their anger over Elon Musk’s involvement in the government as well as President Donald Trump’s handling of issues.

What does this mean for GOP lawmakers, especially for those up for reelection? Matt Salmon, retired Republican Congressman, joined us to discuss.

He said he held many town hall meetings while in office and they were very important to him. One Saturday a month, while Salmon was an active congressman, he would host an 8-10 hour comments event. He would invite people from the community to tell him about their concerns.

Salmon strongly believes in the system of the government and that representatives should represent “the people.” He referred to himself as a “constitutionalist.”

“When I did my return and report, there were many, many times when voters would share their discomfort with something that was going on and if you don’t listen to your voters who do that in your own parol, that’s what you’re there for,” Salmon said.

Regarding the frustration of recent government changes, such as Elon Musk having a position, Salmon said that he follows Article I of the constitution which says Congress is the only entity with the power of the purse. He believes that all positions and leaves of power should be done the “right way,” for example, he mentioned passing an appropriation bill.

“We didn’t vote for a monarchy, we still live in a constitutional democratic republic,” Salmon said.