White House claims some town hall protesters are ‘professional’
WASHINGTON – The White House claimed Wednesday that “professional” protesters comprise a “base” of the raucous crowds at town halls run by Republican lawmakers.
“I think some people are clearly upset, but I think there is a bit of professional protester, manufactured base in there,” White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Wednesday.
“But obviously there are people that are upset, but I also think that when you look at some of these districts … it is not a representation of a member’s district.”
With Congress in recess, several GOP members are facing tough and rowdy community meetings around the country.
President Trump sought to downplay the news coverage of the testy exchanges with a tweet Tuesday evening.
“The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad!,” he tweeted.
Spicer argued Wednesday that the disgruntled people showing up at town halls don’t represent the lawmakers’ constituents.
“Just because they’re loud doesn’t necessarily mean there are many,” Spicer said.
He said people complaining at town halls are “blurring the facts” when expressing fear about losing medical coverage when Obamacare is overhauled.
Spicer said many of those worried about losing Obamacare, are really covered by Medicaid or Medicare or employer-based insurance and have “no problems.”
Spicer said Trump will release his plan to replace Obamacare within a “couple of weeks.”
For those who are worried, the message is “help is on the way,” he said.