Republican U.S. Representative Bryan Steil faced a contentious crowd Thursday night at his first in-person town hall since the passage of President Donald Trump’s sweeping budget and immigration legislation, dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The event, held at Elkhorn High School auditorium, was marked by boos, jeers, and frequent interruptions, with Steil struggling to make his voice heard over the crowd.
About 200 constituents attended, many carrying protest signs such as “Resist,” “God is King no Others,” and “Hands off SSI and Medicare.” The audience repeatedly drowned out Steil’s responses, forcing him to pause often and call for civility and respect for questioners.
The session touched on a variety of heated issues, including federal funding for cancer research, Trump’s tariffs enacted without congressional approval, and immigration enforcement actions by ICE agents. One attendee sharply criticized the morality of deportation raids, accusing Steil of failing to oppose the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Steil defended the administration’s approach, blaming border insecurity on former President Joe Biden and insisting on the need to secure the U.S.-Mexico border — remarks met with sustained boos.
On tariffs, Steil avoided specifics about bypassing Congress, instead emphasizing the administration’s goal of ensuring “fair treatment” by other nations, labeling China a persistent offender in trade.
The loud and chaotic atmosphere prompted some attendees, including Walworth County resident Carol Stanczak, to leave early in frustration. Stanczak, a Steil supporter, described the disruptions as “not the American way” and said the behavior only strengthened her support for the congressman.
Others, like Kevin Roblee of Lake Geneva, also supported Steil and criticized the crowd’s focus on Trump rather than Steil’s own congressional efforts.
Democratic activists and critics, however, defended the passionate responses, citing months of frustration over Steil’s lack of in-person engagement and support for Trump’s agenda. Mary Burpee, a retired union organizer, said Steil “deserved” the anger, particularly in light of the recent legislation.
Just days before the town hall, protesters staged a mock funeral procession outside Steil’s home symbolizing the “death of democracy,” a demonstration that gained national attention.
Susan Chandler, chair of the Democratic Party’s 1st Congressional District delegation, criticized Steil for failing to provide clear answers and called for his removal from office.
As attendees left the venue, a homemade “No Kings” sign was left hanging at the auditorium entrance, underscoring the tense political climate.
Despite the hostility, Steil holds a fundraising advantage and represents one of Wisconsin’s two competitive districts as he begins his re-election campaign.
