Sen. Chuck Grassley faced a room filled with frustrated Iowans at a town hall in Fort Madison, Iowa, where attendees urged him to challenge President Donald Trump and address concerns about the changes happening in the federal government. Grassley listened to complaints about Trump and the government’s actions, with one person questioning Congress’s role in holding the president accountable. Grassley’s responses did little to calm the tension in the room, with one attendee directly asking if he was proud of Trump, to which Grassley responded by highlighting his disagreements with any president.

As chair of the judiciary committee, Grassley appeared to align with Trump on certain issues, such as the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Grassley emphasized the limits of Congress’s authority in such matters. The senator also discussed Trump’s tariffs and their potential impact on Iowa farmers, proposing a bill to restrict presidential tariff powers.

Grassley reassured attendees about protecting Social Security but signaled support for work requirements in federal food assistance programs. He defended extending Trump-era tax cuts while considering adjustments for top earners. Despite the critical tone of the event, some attendees appreciated Grassley’s willingness to hold the town hall, contrasting with other Iowa Republicans who have avoided similar engagements. Grassley’s structured approach did not diminish the event’s overall sentiment, as most questions posed were critical of the administration.