At Utah Rep's Town Hall, 'Deafening' Boos

'Vote him out,' protesters chanted of Rep. Jason Chaffetz
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 10, 2017 6:59 AM CST
Hundreds Boo Utah Rep at Town Hall
People shout to Rep. Jason Chaffetz during his town hall meeting on Thursday.   (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

The chairman of the House Oversight Committee was met by frequent, deafening boos at a Thursday town hall in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, as constituents grilled him on everything from investigating President Trump's tax returns to Planned Parenthood, reports the AP. A young girl asked Rep. Jason Chaffetz about his plans to protect the air and water and the crowd booed when he replied that he supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which includes mining for coal. Another exchange that brought cries of "do your job," per NBC News: He was asked about a potential conflict between the presidency and Trump's businesses, something that would fall under the purview of the House Oversight Committee. "You're really not going to like this part: The President, under the law, is exempt from the conflict of interest laws," Chaffetz said.

His assertion that Kellyanne Conway was "wrong, wrong, wrong" for plugging Ivanka Trump's clothing line was well received, however. But more jeers greeted his comment that while he believes "if you're going to run for president, you should have to release your tax returns ... it's not required by law," reports the Daily Herald. Chaffetz repeatedly said, "hold on," and "give me a second," as the audience members reacted negatively to nearly all of his statements. Outside, hundreds of people were holding signs and chanting, "Vote him out," while one woman was arrested. Chaffetz said earlier in the day that he hopes Trump will repeal the Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah, something he discussed with the president during a Tuesday meeting. A CNN correspondent tweeted that the town hall ended an hour early. (More Jason Chaffetz stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X