Story from Smoky Mountain News politics editor Cory Vaillancourt, re-published with permission
In what could very well be a sneak preview of his in-person town hall in Asheville later today, Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) abruptly walked away from a podium in Canton’s Sorrells Street Park and refused to answer questions about federal cuts to programs and services.
Edwards had just concluded remarks on a forthcoming $41 million appropriation meant to bolster Canton’s ailing water system as well as to allow the town to construct its own wastewater treatment plant when a man later identified as Nate Roberto shouted a question at Edwards from about 20 feet away.
“Congressman, thank you so much for bringing home these dollars but if you cut Medicaid and you knock 40% of our kids off Medicaid and you don’t bring dollars home to these schools, the county schools [will] have a shortfall,” Roberto said.
Apparently startled by the question, Edwards cut Roberto off, saying, “I appreciate all of you being here, let’s go find the ice cream truck now,” and began to walk away.
Roberto continued questioning Edwards while moving slowly towards the podium, saying “If you can’t hold yourself responsible, then we’re going to come at you.” Canton police officers then grabbed Roberto and began to lead him away from the event.
Recent discussions by Republicans on cuts to federal services, including Medicaid and other federal programs, have alarmed some — not only in Edwards’ ruby-red 11th Congressional District but across the country.
As Edwards was escorted away by other Canton police officers, The Smoky Mountain News attempted to ask Edwards if he had taken any steps to prevent billionaire Elon Musk from closing another federal facility in Macon County.
On March 3, The Smoky Mountain News was first to report that the Social Security Administration office in Franklin appears on a list of federal facilities slated for closing by Musk’s DOGE. As of March 13, the facility remains open but remains on the list.
The closing is expected to save just over $1 million according to Musk’s list, but it’s also expected to result in a 95-mile one way trip — nearly two hours — to the Asheville office for residents of the far west who have problems with Social Security that can’t be resolved online or on the phone.
Last month, Musk falsely claimed that millions of dead people, some centuries old, have been receiving improper payments. President Donald Trump echoed Musk’s false claims during a speech on March 4, even after the claims had already been debunked. A 2024 report issued by the SSA’s Inspector General noted that from 2015 to 2022, that less than 1% of the administration’s payments (0.84%) were improper; most were overpayments, not payments going to the deceased or others who weren’t entitled to receive them.
In recent days, Musk has called Social Security “a Ponzi scheme,” dehumanized recipients of federal benefits by calling them “the parasite class” and floated the idea of cutting in-person staff at the Social Security Administration, making the resolution of issues more difficult.
Edwards has long been mistaken about, or unaware of, his own party’s positions on social security. During his successful 2022 congressional bid, Edwards told The Smoky Mountain News that “there is absolutely no interest from Republicans to cut Medicare or Social Security.” Edwards’ comments came just weeks after Rep. Kevin McCarthy and Sen. Ron Johnson, both Republicans, refused to quash rumors about potential cuts.
A year later, Edwards remained silent about protecting seniors and veterans, refusing to meet with a group asking him to sign a pledge protecting Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and veterans benefits.
Edwards did not acknowledge the question and left the event with members of his staff.
Later, Roberto — a registered independent in Haywood County — told SMN that even though Edwards didn’t answer his question, his silence spoke volumes.
“He’s already made it clear he’s banking on the fact that nobody’s going to come out and fight him on this,” Roberto said. “And this was the perfect opportunity to do that.”
Roberto wasn’t taken into custody and left the scene without further incident.
