Lincoln, Nebraska – A town hall meeting held on August 4, 2025, in Lincoln turned tumultuous as House Republican Rep. Mike Flood encountered sharp criticism and vocal opposition from constituents regarding President Donald Trump’s recently enacted tax and spending bill.
The event, attracting approximately 750 attendees at Kimball Hall, quickly escalated into a charged atmosphere with constituents shouting slogans such as “Vote him out!” and jeering as Flood sought to defend his support of the legislation. The bill, a cornerstone of Trump’s policy agenda, has drawn controversy due to its projected impacts on the national debt and healthcare coverage.
Flood opened the discussion by acknowledging expected resistance but emphasized his eagerness to address concerns directly. “I want the opportunity to tell you and talk to you about health care in the bill we just passed,” he said, highlighting the healthcare provisions embedded within the legislation. However, his attempts to explain and clarify were frequently drowned out by the audience’s boos and heckling.
One of the key points Flood emphasized was misinformation regarding the bill’s health care elements. Citing an influx of funds anticipated for Nebraska hospitals, he implored the crowd to hear his full explanation. Despite efforts from some attendees urging calm and civility, tensions remained high throughout the night.
Underlying much of the unrest were recent nonpartisan analyses, including a new estimate from the Congressional Budget Office that predicts the legislation will increase the national debt by over four trillion dollars and result in more than 10 million Americans losing health coverage within the next decade due to Medicaid cuts. These forecasts sparked vocal fears and discontent among voters participating in the town hall.
The bill’s stipulations linking health care eligibility to work status, wherein those not working would not qualify for free healthcare coverage, also fueled criticism. Many constituents challenged Flood’s defense and questioned the broader implications on vulnerable populations.
As the congressman faces reelection campaigns ahead, the town hall’s outcome highlights a stark divide within his district and the GOP at large, with constituents expressing deep frustration over the policy direction and questioning whether Flood’s alignment with the bill reflects their interests.
The event underscores a wider trend of GOP lawmakers confronting escalating grassroots opposition as they navigate the fallout of high-profile legislation with significant social and economic impacts.
Rep. Mike Flood has yet to release a further detailed statement following the town hall, but the backlash serves as an indicator that his support for Trump’s megabill is a contentious issue locally, mirroring broader national debates.